Andrea Faulk, Author at SRO PR

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 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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July 2, 2021

STATE FAIR ENTERTAINMENT Announces Initial Talent Line-Up For The Fair At Santa Anita Park

DATE: JULY 2, 2021

FROM: MARCEE RONDAN

STATE FAIR ENTERTAINMENT
ANNOUNCES INITIAL TALENT LINE-UP FOR
THE FAIR AT SANTA ANITA PARK:
ALL-NEW ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE
COMING TO LOS ANGELES
THIS SUMMER

State Fair Entertainment, organizers for THE FAIR AT SANTA ANITA PARK, are pleased to announce the initial talent line-up for the new summer fair for Los Angeles. Set to debut this summer over 16 days–July 29-August 22 (Thursdays-Sundays from 11:00 AM-10:00 PM)–the THE FAIR AT SANTA ANITA PARK musical line-up will encompass a wide range of tastes, reflecting the diversity of Los Angeles, from some top tribute bands to leading Latin music performers.

The opening weekend’s music selections will include tributes to Led Zeppelin (Led Zepagain) on July 29; Kenny Chesney (Barefoot Nation Band) and George Michael (George Michael Reborn) on July 30; and Guns N’ Roses (GNR Tribute) and the Rolling Stones (Jumpin Jack Flash) on July 31.

A person wearing a hat

Description automatically generated with medium confidence Ana Barbara

In addition, each Sunday of the fair will pay homage to Los Angeles’ large Hispanic population by celebrating its culture with music and other offerings. Already confirmed Latin acts include Los Rieleros del Norte, Ana Barbara, Mariachi Las Divas and Como la Flor Band: A “Selena Tribute” act. For the most up-to-date information on THE FAIR AT SANTA ANITA PARK’s entertainment offerings, please click here.

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Beyond the music, onsite activities will include something for fans of all ages: fair rides and games, local and national entertainment, a social media stage, adult beverage sampling, vendor booths, and a designated kids area. Additional details on THE FAIR AT SANTA ANITA PARK’s offerings will be announced in the coming days.

GA ticket prices begin at $10.00 (entry only) with daily unlimited ride packages priced from $40.00 (after purchase of entry), to season passes from $250.00 for a single and $500 for a family of four (**Season passes include unlimited rides and games). THE FAIR AT SANTA ANITA PARK will operate as a ticketless event and will promote covid-friendly digital ticketing and a digital currency system. Contactless payment (through mobile apps or pre-loaded onto the event’s RFID wristband) throughout the park provides added safety. Onsite parking (GA and preferred) will be available and must be purchased in advance. For the most up-to-date information, please go to www.https://statefairent.com/

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June 30, 2021

BLUE RIDGE ROCK FESTIVAL 2021: Full Line-Up Announced For September 9–12 Festival In Southwest Virginia

DATE: JUNE 30, 2021

FROM: MARCEE RONDAN

BLUE RIDGE ROCK FESTIVAL 2021:
FULL LINE-UP ANNOUNCED FOR
SEPTEMBER 9–12 FESTIVAL
AT THEIR RECENTLY PURCHASED
BLUE RIDGE AMPHITHEATER
TO FEATURE HEADLINERS
FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, ROB ZOMBIE,
SHINEDOWN, BREAKING BENJAMIN, LIMP BIZKIT
AND MORE THAN 180 ACTS

WEEKEND-LONG FESTIVAL,
PRODUCED BY
VIRGINIA-BASED
PURPOSE DRIVEN EVENTS,
TO BE HOSTED BY
STEVE-O: DELIVERING STUNTS, COMEDY, AND EMCEE DUTIES FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER AT A ROCK FESTIVAL
AND SPECIAL GUEST LOU BRUTUS

SINGLE DAY TICKETS START AT $65
AND WEEKEND PASSES ARE AVAILABLE FROM $165
ALL ARE ON SALE NOW AT
BLUE RIDGE ROCK FESTIVAL

Text

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To mark the fourth outing of the Blue Ridge Rock Festival, PURPOSE DRIVEN EVENTS has amassed a line-up of 180+ bands for the September 9–12 event at Blue Ridge Amphitheater, a long-awaited large-scale concert venue in Southwest Virginia. The excitement for the event is already building in the media and from the line-up:

●”This is the best lineup I’ve ever seen since Woodstock 99.”
–Rock Feed

●”A can’t miss summer-stop”
–Loudwire

●”A New Era has begun…
–Brent Smith (lead singer of Shinedown)

The 2021 line-up includes headliners Five Finger Death Punch, Rob Zombie, Shinedown, Breaking Benjamin, Limp Bizkit and more than 180 bands who will appear on six stages over four days. The weekend-long event will also include additional onsite activities and activations. Special features include Club Experience–a first-ever, one-of-a-kind soundproofed club at a rock festival. Headliners for this special club include headliner Ludacris, T-Pain, and Lil Jon. Also on tap: the Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow Revue, a vaudeville freak show of wonder by Hellzapoppin’s Ringleader and Producer, Mr. Bryce “The Govna” Graves. In addition, excitingly, the festival will be hosted by Steve-O: delivering stunts, comedy, and emcee duties for the first time ever at a rock festival; and special guest Lou Brutus.

The 2021 BLUE RIDGE ROCK FESTIVAL line-up (in alphabetical order) is as follows (as of 6-30-21):

10 Years, A Day To Remember, Adelitas Way, All Good Things, All That Remains, Another Day Dawns, Anthrax (40th Anniversary), Asking Alexandria, Atreyu, August Burns Red, Avatar, Ayron Jones, Bad Omens, Badflower, Beartooth, Black Label Society, Body Count (feat. Ice-T), Brand Of Sacrifice, Breaking Benjamin (only festival performance of 2021), Burden Of The Sky, Bush, Chelsea Grin, Chevelle, Clutch, Corrosion of Conformity, Crown The Empire, Currents, Cypress Hill (30th Anniversary), D.R.U.G.S. (first show in nearly a decade), Drowning Pool, Escape The Fate, Falling In Reverse, Fame on Fire, Fever 333, Fire From The Gods, Fit For A King, Five Finger Death Punch, Fozzy, From Ashes To New, The Ghost Inside (rare comeback show), Gojira, Halestorm, Hatebreed, The Hu, Ice Nine Kills, Ill Niño, In Flames, Islander, I Prevail (only show of 2021), Jelly Roll, Killswitch Engage, Knocked Loose, Lamb of God, Lil Jon, Light The Torch, Limp Bizkit, Ludacris, Mastodon, Megadeth, Miss May I, Motionless In White, Nonpoint, P.O.D. (performing their multi-platinum album “Satellite” in its entirety for its 20th anniversary), Papa Roach (playing “Infest” in its entirety + greatest hits), Philip Anselmo & The Illegals (Performing Pantera’s Greatest Hits), Pop Evil, Rev Run (Run-DMC), Rise Against, Rob Zombie, Sabaton, Saul, Seether, Sevendust, Shinedown, Skillet (full pyrotechnic performance), Slaves, Spiritbox (United States debut), Spite, Stitched Up Heart, Tallah, Tech N9ne, Testament, Texas Hippie Coalition, Theory of a Deadman, Trivium, T-Pain, Underoath, Wage War, We Came As Romans and many more local and regional acts.

BLUE RIDGE ROCK FESTIVAL will be held at Blue Ridge Amphitheater, a 35,000-capacity outdoor festival site (just off Route 29 on the Chatham-Danville line). The venue will be convenient for fans from neighboring cities including Lynchburg, Roanoke, Danville, and Greensboro. 2021 sponsors include Monster Energy Drink; LitBar; Good Life Alternatives, LLC; Danville Toyota; Mortus Viventi; MAKO Medical; Thunder Road Harley Davidson; URW Credit Union; and ZYN.

Tickets for BLUE RIDGE ROCK FESTIVAL start at just $65 with single day, weekend passes are available from $165 and single-day parking is priced at $20. Other amenities include on site camping (RV or car), hotel and tickets packages, onsite parking and locker rentals. Military and first responder discounts are also available. Additional details including all ticketing info can be found here. Follow on social media Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

“What is taking place with Blue Ridge Rock Festival this year is truly humbling, and very special,” says PURPOSE DRIVEN EVENTS’ Chief Executive Officer JONATHAN SLYE. “The entire event is centered around a mission that resonates in a profound way with the fans. We are working around the clock to constantly innovate, listen to our fans, and fight for our passionate community. The rapid, organic growth of Blue Ridge from 3,500 attendees on our first weekend, to an already near sell-out of 150,000 this year is a true testament to that.”

About PURPOSE DRIVEN EVENTS

PURPOSE DRIVEN EVENTS is the new umbrella organization for events led by Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Slye. The name of the entity falls in line with their mission to provide a purpose behind each event produced that goes far beyond just music. With their headquarters in small town Virginia, and originating from a decade of very humble beginnings, the group continues to expand its footprint and is developing into one of the fastest rising promoters in the industry. The company and Slye are best known for producing the annual Blue Ridge Rock Festival, a locally developed event founded in Central Virginia and known as “The Fan Driven Rock Experience.” Following the event’s breakout year in 2019, Blue Ridge became a full-time operation heading into last year. Though the top eleven acts were never announced for the 2020 iteration, the festival was forced to postpone due to the pandemic. While live events have largely disappeared over the last year, Purpose Driven Events has expanded significantly in that time. The company now has a full staff successfully recruiting over a dozen major players in the music business from across the country, to join their team locally to maximize results. Beyond the recent acquisition of the Blue Ridge Amphitheater, PURPOSE DRIVEN EVENTS also includes ownership of six festivals, their recently acquired 1,700 capacity concert hall, The Ridge, opening in late 2021.

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June 29, 2021

Author LYNDSEY PARKER Wraps Up Month-Long Promotion For Critically Acclaimed Book ‘Permanent Damage: Memoirs Of An Outrageous Girl’

DATE: JUNE 29, 2021

FROM: MARCEE RONDAN/MITCH SCHNEIDER

AUTHOR LYNDSEY PARKER
SET FOR
JUNE 30
WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL MUSIC NETWORK
ONLINE CHAT WITH
WiMN FOUNDER LAURA B. WHITMORE

INTERVIEW WRAPS UP MONTH-LONG PROMOTION FOR
CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED BOOK
‘PERMANENT DAMAGE:
MEMOIRS OF AN OUTRAGEOUS GIRL’
MERCY FONTENOT WITH LYNDSEY PARKER

A book with a person's face on it

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Author Lyndsey Parker will wrap up a month of promotion for the newly released book Permanent Damage: Memoirs of An Outrageous Girl (Rare Bird Books), which she co-wrote with late GTOs member Mercy “Miss Mercy” Fontenot, by participating in a June 30 online chat with Women’s International Music Network Founder Laura B. Whitmore. WiMN Founder Whitmore will talk with Parker–Music Editor at Yahoo Entertainment, and Host of ‘Volume West’ at SiriusXM Volume–about the book. Catch the live video interview here on Wednesday, June 30 at 5:00 PM (PT)/8:00 PM (ET) on the Parade.com Facebook page and the Women’s International Music Network Facebook page.

The WiMN event follows a Grammy Museum digital conversation with Alice Cooper, singer Arrow de Wilde of Starcrawler, Pamela Des Barres and moderator Lina Lecaro who discussed the book as part of COLLECTION:live, the Grammy Museum^®’s new official online streaming service. Next came a SiriusXM Volume roundtable on release day with Parker, Pamela Des Barres, Michael Des Barres and Ahmet Zappa, which is available for replay on the SiriusXM app. And finally, a June 17 in-person celebration at Stories Books and Café in Los Angeles. The very special evening featured a conversation and Q&A with Parker and Pamela Des Barres (who not only wrote the book’s afterword, but was a GTOs bandmate and longtime friend of Fontenot’s), an acoustic Starcrawler live performance and a DJ set from Miles Tackett.

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Description automatically generated Lyndsey Parker and Pamela Des Barres
Photo credit: Bobbie Beeman

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Description automatically generated Starcrawler
Photo credit: Stories Cafe

Permanent Damage: Memoirs of An Outrageous Girl shows us the world of the 1960s and 1970s music scene through Mercy Fontenot’s eyes, as well as the fallout of that era–experiencing homelessness before sobering up and putting her life back together. Written just prior to her death in 2020 with veteran music journalist Lyndsey Parker, Miss Mercy’s journey is a can’t miss for anyone who was there and can’t remember, or just wishes they’d been there.

Mercy Fontenot was a Zelig who grew up in the San Francisco Haight-Ashbury scene, where she crossed paths with Charles Manson, went to the first Acid Test, and was friends with Jimi Hendrix (she was later in his movie Rainbow Bridge). She predicted the Altamont disaster when reading the Rolling Stones’ tarot cards at a party and left San Francisco for the climes of Los Angeles in 1967 when the Haight “lost its magic.” Buy the book here.

Here’s some critical praise for the book:

“Great writing; wild stories, but very dark…But through all of it Mercy emerged undaunted.”
★★★★ –Sylvie Simmons, MOJO, 2021

“The book reads like a romp, aided by Mercy’s keen sense of the absurd and flair for black humor…”
–Jim Farber, THE GUARDIAN, June 2021

“Lyndsey Parker’s excellent book Permanent Damage: Memoirs of an Outrageous Girl, written with and about GTO Miss Mercy Fontenot, is receiving heaps of well-deserved praise and attention.”
–Brett Callwood, LA WEEKLY, June 2021

“Permanent Damage: Memoirs of an Outrageous Girl is the posthumously published memoir of Mercy Fontenot…the memoir is, in two words, wild and weird…Fearless, shameless and regret-less, Miss Mercy’s tone in the book is casual, alarmingly so when she’s speaking about the most traumatic events: rapes, homelessness, the suicides of her parents, her drug use.”
–Lily Moayeri, ROCK AND ROLL GLOBE, June 2021

“Mercy, Mercy, She: A Famous Groupie’s Wild Child Story…The stories came fast and furious, as Mercy recounts her encounters with acts like those mentioned above along with Gene Simmons of KISS, Arthur Lee of Love, Shuggie Otis, Jobriath, Ike Turner, Gram Parsons, and Janis Joplin. Then there’s the book’s Marquee Batshit Crazy Story: Chuck Berry.”
–Bob Ruggiero, HOUSTON PRESS, May 2021

“Whoa! With what sometimes feels like a minor miracle, Miss Mercy’s life story careens from delight to disaster and back so many times there is a considerable chance of whiplash during the reading…With writer Lyndsey Parker’s above and beyond assistance, everything from tragedy, treachery, heartbreak and happiness come through in day-glo colors. In the end, Miss Mercy stands upright as a true survivor, except for the fact that she died not long before the book’s completion. But what is surely a small miracle, the memoir was finished and now permanently stands as a cautionary tale for those who get too close to the flame, or don’t have working brakes in how they live their life. And while there is no way to capture the three-dimensional swing of Miss Mercy’s daily travels in black & white, PERMANENT DAMAGE and its evocative prose and complete honesty comes close enough to the bonfire to catch afire. What a trip.”
–Bill Bentley, AMERICANA HIGHWAYS, June 2021

“Permanent Damage: Memoirs Of An Outrageous Girl…is full of stories, the ultimate tale of sex, drugs, rock & roll, rape, violence, homelessness, fun, parties, lovers, and independence…From page one, you are enveloped by Mercy’s straightforward, honest personality and you don’t feel like you’re simply reading another musical soap opera. She hooks you immediately and you laugh with her at her goofyness, drop your mouth to the floor when she casually mentions that her second husband beat her so bad he had broken all the bones in the side of her face, and envy her hangs with Robert Plant and Jimi Hendrix. The words flow like she’s right there telling them to you herself and the 208 pages fly by in no time.”
–Leslie Michele Derrough, GLIDE MAGAZINE, June 2021

About Lyndsey Parker:

Lyndsey Parker is the music editor at Yahoo Entertainment and host of the daily SiriusXM Volume show Volume West. Considered an expert in music and pop culture, Parker is an Online Journalism Award nominee and has written for Elle, MOJO, Rolling Stone, NME, and Guitar. She has appeared as a commentator for the ABC special The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story, AXS TV’s The Top Ten Revealed, and the documentary I Want My MTV, as well as for VH1’s Behind the Music, CNN, MTV, The Insider, and Good Day L.A.. She is the author of Careless Memories of Strange Behavior: My Notorious Life as a Duran Duran Fan (one of the first e-books published as part of Rhino Records’ all-digital music book series, which went to #1 on the iTunes Music Books chart).

SRO PRESS RELEASES AND ASSETS

AVAILABLE IN HARDCOVER and E-BOOK
BIOGRAPHY/ AUTOBIOGRAPHY/ MUSIC
9781644281826 | US $27.00 | 6 x 9 in. | 320 pp.
RARE BIRD BOOKS, A BARNACLE BOOK
DISTRIBUTED WOLRDWIDE BY PUBLISHERS GROUP WEST
RAREBIRDLIT.COM

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June 25, 2021

Guitarists MIKE DAWES and TOMMY EMMANUEL Share New Single/Video for “Somebody That I Used To Know”

DT: JUNE 25, 2021

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/ANDREA FAULK/LYNDIE WENNER
SRO PR (LOS ANGELES, NASHVILLE, LAS VEGAS)

BRITISH ACOUSTIC GUITAR VIRTUOSO MIKE DAWES
ALONG WITH ACOUSTIC GUITARIST EXTRAORDINAIRE TOMMY EMMANUEL
SHARES NEW SINGLE/VIDEO “SOMEBODY THAT I USED TO KNOW”

LISTEN HERE TO THEIR INSTRUMENTAL INTERPRETATION OF
GOYTE’S 2011 WORLDWIDE SMASH

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED FOR JANUARY 2022

British acoustic guitar virtuoso MIKE DAWES, along with acoustic guitarist extraordinaire TOMMY EMMANUEL, today (June 25) shares a new single and video, “Somebody That I Used To Know.” The song (on Qten Records) is a stirring instrumental cover of the massive worldwide 2011 hit by Gotye which marks its 10^th anniversary this year. Listen to the song here and watch the video here. It premiered yesterday (June 24) at Guitar Player which hailed the track as “spellbinding.” TOMMY EMMANUEL and MIKE DAWES, who have toured together in the past, will do so again starting in January 2022 with MIKE DAWES as special guest. Below are the tour dates and a Q&A with both artists about the single and video.

Q&A WITH MIKE DAWES AND TOMMY EMMANUEL:

MIKE DAWES:

–What originally inspired you to record and release your version of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know” in 2012?

It was the perfect storm of events really. I hate to sound too obvious, but I had a breakup that knocked me back at the time (boohoo, I know). “Somebody That I Used to Know” seemed an appropriate way to reset. I had also seen the fantastic ‘Walk Off The Earth’ cover version with five performers on one guitar. Taking on the challenge was a great way to channel that energy.

–What was it like to discover Tommy’s music and then tour with Tommy?

I mean, Tommy is the greatest guitar player alive in my opinion. It is beyond humbling and a complete honor to have been able to share the stage with him and observe not just his performance, but also to be around him on the road. He is the real deal and such an inspiring soul.

–How would you describe Tommy’s artistry?

I’d say it is an extension of himself as a person. Dedication to a craft he loves and honesty of expression. Pure fun.

— What led you to record a new version of the Gotye hit with Tommy and can you talk about what you feel you musically achieved?

There are a few reasons why this collaboration had to happen, and I’m so glad it did. “Somebody That I Used to Know” is one of the biggest songs to come out of Australia and Tommy is an Aussie national hero! Not only that, but this month marks the 10-year anniversary of the song, as well as the 9-year anniversary of my 2012 arrangement. We’re also announcing our 2022 USA tour together. I am so proud of this collaboration, the arrangement and production. Once you add Tommy to a track, everything falls into place.

–Were there challenges in recording the song with you in the UK and Tommy in the US?

It was really fun. Tommy tracked his part to my original recording, and then I reworked my part into a re-recording with extra licks, structure and harmony based around what he played. That way I could get Tommy’s DNA into the tune in a way that avoided a lazier approach of just having him play over the top of an old arrangement. I’m so happy with the result and I hope the fans of the original enjoy it too!

–Can you talk about the video with you shooting your part in the UK and Tommy in the US?

It would have been a dream to be in the same location but for obvious reasons we couldn’t. Fortunately, Tommy and I have the same manager and he was graciously able to coordinate and film Tommy doing his thing. The funny thing was, I had just had eyeball surgery so was pretty blind whilst shooting. Thanks muscle memory!

TOMMY EMMANUEL:

–How did you first become aware of Mike and what was it like to tour with him?

I became aware of Mike through YouTube videos and people in England telling me to check him out. I loved his playing and his personality on stage–he has a generous spirit with his audiences! When my manager took him on as a client, he asked me if I’d like to have Mike on some shows, I jumped at the opportunity to have Mike on a EU tour. We got on as friends and found a good way of making our shows exciting for our audiences and I found I could rely on Mike to always give his best out there onstage. We had fun together and my team became his team too!

–How would you describe Mike’s artistry?

Mike’s style is so different to mine and that makes for a good chemistry between us. I ask him to play his arrangements as he did solo, then I found a way to blend in, harmonize, strengthen choruses and stay out of his way, musically, yet add to what he’s doing! His approach to melodies is solid!

— What led you to record this version of the Gotye hit with Mike and can you talk about what you feel you musically achieved?

The Gotye song is a powerful statement, musically, and his arrangement is very true to the composer. When it was suggested we should do it together, I jumped at the chance and hopefully added a part that enhanced what he was already doing. He was covering everything including melody, rhythm, bass and percussion parts!! So, I just needed to play the chorus melody and add some vocal-type fills around his playing.

–Were there challenges in recording the song with you in the US and Mike in the UK?

He recorded his part at his studio in the UK, I did mine in Nashville. After recording all my parts, we sent it to him and he chose what he needed of my playing and mixed it into the final cut. I played a lot more than was really necessary, to give him plenty to choose from as he mixed the track.

–Can you talk about the video with you shooting your part in the US and Mike in the UK?

The last job was to shoot the videos and make a version that would give the viewer an interesting look at two guys pouring their hearts into a duet of industrial strength! Thanks to Mike for his high standards!

Tommy Emmanuel with special guest Mike Dawes tour dates:

1/7 – Denver, CO – Soiled Dove
1/8 – Denver, CO – Soiled Dove
1/9 – Denver, CO – Soiled Dove
1/1 – Portland,OR – Aladin Theatre
1/2 – Portland,OR – Aladin Theatre
1/13 – Seattle, WA – Triple Door
1/14 – Seattle, WA – Triple Door
1/15 – Seattle, WA – Triple Door
1/17 – Red Blufff,CA -State Theatre
1/18 – Berkley,CA – Freight & Salvage
1/19 – Berkley, CA – Freight & Salvage

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Mike Dawes
Photo Credit: Adam King Photography

For more information on MIKE DAWES, visit:
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

Tommy Emmanuel:
Photo Credit: Alysse Gafkjen

For more information on TOMMY EMMANUEL, visit:
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

SRO PR Assets + Press Releases:
http://sropr.com/portfolio/tommyemmanuel/

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For press inquiries regarding MIKE DAWES and TOMMY EMMANUEL, contact:

SRO PR

(Los Angeles, Nashville, Las Vegas)
Mitch Schneider // mschneider@sropr.com
Andrea Faulk // afaulk@sropr.com
Lyndie Wenner // lwenner@sropr.com

June 25, 2021

BRIAN SETZER To Release New Album ‘Gotta Have The Rumble’ August 27, First Single And Video For “Checkered Flag” Out Today

DATE: JUNE 25, 2021

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN

A person in uniform sitting on a motorcycle Description automatically generated with low confidence

BRIAN SETZER
TO RELEASE ‘GOTTA HAVE THE RUMBLE,’
HIS FIRST SOLO ALBUM IN 7 YEARS,
AUGUST 27 VIA SURFDOG RECORDS

TODAY THE ICONIC GUITARIST, SONGWRITER, VOCALIST
AND 3-TIME GRAMMY AWARD-WINNER SHARES FIRST SINGLE/VIDEO, “CHECKERED FLAG”
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE AND LISTEN TO THE SONG HERE

BRIAN SETZER will release GOTTA HAVE THE RUMBLE, his first solo album in 7 years, August 27 on Surfdog Records physically (CD) and digitally, with the vinyl out this fall (TBA). Today (June 25), the iconic guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and 3-time Grammy award-winner shared the first single/video, “Checkered Flag,” off the 11-track all-original album. Watch the animated music video depicting a classic hot rod race created by graphic artist Juan Pinto here and listen to the song here. Pre-save and pre-add the album here.

Produced by Julian Raymond (Glen Campbell and Cheap Trick), GOTTA HAVE THE RUMBLE contains songs, all written or co-written by Setzer, and was recorded in Minneapolis (Setzer’s adopted hometown) and Nashville. GOTTA HAVE THE R UMBLE is a red-hot album from start to finish–American music amped up to 10–with songs that are full of dynamism and bravado. Highlights include “Checkered Flag,” “Smash Up On Highway One,” “Drip Drop,” “The Cat with 9 Wives,” “One Bad Habit” and “Rockabilly Banjo.” The track listing is below.

“Obviously, it’s a reference to my motorcycles and hot rods, something that hasn’t changed since I was 15 years old,” says SETZER about the album title GOTTA HAVE THE RUMBLE. “I still have the same passion for going fast and adrenaline. But it’s also about my hearing problem with tinnitus–the ringing of the ear. It was pretty bad, and I realized that I couldn’t play the way I wanted to. As I recovered, standing in front of a small amplifier just didn’t cut it. The sound from my big amp makes the guitar rumble. Which is a big part of my sound. I was really despondent for a while because I thought I wouldn’t be able to do that again. So, ‘Gotta Have The Rumble’ refers to both of those things.”

The track listing for GOTTA HAVE THE RUMBLE is:

1. Checkered Flag
Written by Brian Setzer and James McDonnell

2. Smash Up On Highway One
Written by Brian Setzer and Mike Himelstein

3. Stack My Money
Written by Brian Setzer and Mike Himelstein

4. The Wrong Side Of The Tracks
Written by Brian Setzer and Mike Himelstein

5. Drip Drop
Written by Brian Setzer

6. The Cat With 9 Wives
Written by Brian Setzer and Mike Himelstein

7. Turn You On, Turn Me On
Written by Brian Setzer

8. Rockabilly Riot
Written by Brian Setzer and Mike Himelstein

9. Off Your Rocker
Written by Brian Setzer and Stephen “Dibbs” Preston

10. One Bad Habit
Written by Brian Setzer and Mike Himelstein

11. Rockabilly Banjo
Written by Brian Setzer and Stephen “Dibbs” Preston

A person on a motorcycle Description automatically generated with medium confidence Photo: Russ Harrington

A person playing a guitar Description automatically generated with medium confidence Photo: Russ Harrington

ABOUT BRIAN SETZER:

Iconic guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and 3-time Grammy award-winner BRIAN SETZER has achieved one career milestone after another. He’s sold millions of albums and is a “Musician’s Musician” credited with continually taking chances with innovative and daring musical styles. Setzer is widely credited for taking two forgotten genres, rockabilly and swing, adding his own blend of gunpowder and rockin’ style, and completely reinventing and single-handedly resurrecting them in the process. Along the way, he has scored chart-topping hits, sold 13 million records and received the Orville H. Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award throughout his decorated career as founder/leader of the Stray Cats, his 19-piece Brian Setzer Orchestra, and as a solo artist. He is consistently cited as one of the world’s greatest living guitarists, and has a best-selling, extensive line of elite Gretsch signature model guitars bearing his name. SETZER is also, fittingly, in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. On the live front, Setzer has headlined venues and festivals worldwide, including a 1983 headlining slot on the iconic US Festival in California, The Playboy Jazz Festival, a three-night, sold-out headlining run at the Hollywood Bowl with the 98-piece Philharmonic Orchestra, Woodstock ’99, and performing in front of more than 150,000 people as headliner of the Montreal Jazz Festival. His reach also includes films and TV, where his roles include portraying rockabilly pioneer Eddie Cochran in the 1987 film, La Bamba, Fox’s “Beverly Hills 90210,” among many others, and he is one of the few musicians to be animated in an episode of “The Simpsons” in 2002. That same year, SETZER was personally requested to induct Chet Atkins into the 17th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. SETZER had the honor of being invited in 2006 to perform at the White House for the President of the United States. Also in 2006, he was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame with the Stray Cats. In 2014, SETZER received the distinct honor of being asked by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. to donate a replica of his original 1959 Gretsch 6120 “Stray Cat” guitar, joining an elite collection of iconic treasures at the museum.

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Links:

Website:briansetzer.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/briansetzerofficial/
Twitter: twitter.com/briansetzer59
Instagram: instagram.com/briansetzer59/
YouTube: youtube.com/user/BrianSetzerOfficial

June 17, 2021

LOVE BY NUMB3RS Share Video For New Single “Red Sun.”

DATE: JUNE 17, 2021

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN

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Description automatically generated

LOVE BY NUMB3RS
SHARE VIDEO FOR
NEW SINGLE “RED SUN”

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE HAUNTING
VIDEO SHOT IN THE SOUTHWESTERN U.S.

LOVE BY NUMB3RS today (June 17) have shared the haunting and beautifully filmed video for “Red Sun.” Click here to watch the Portland, Maine-based trio’s self-directed video for the newly released first single from their upcoming in-progress second album.

Written by the band–co-vocalists DAN CONNOR and ANNA LOMBARD and multi-instrumentalist JON ROODS—“Red Sun” underlines the many charms of the group who chart a course through eloquent alternative, dusty blues, graceful folk, and rootsy rock. The clip was premiered yesterday (June 16) at antiMusic.

For the mysterious and evocative song, in which the characters undergo a transformative spiritual experience as they journey through the Southwestern United States, the group also travelled across the country to follow the path of the characters in the song.

The concept of “Red Sun,” explains ANNA, “started as an iPhone voice memo Dan sent with a chord progression on an acoustic along with a chorus of him singing ‘See you when we reach the shore, we’ll meet up in Vegas at Bellagio.’ He wanted to write a song about a journey into the unknown. As he handed off the rest of the lyric writing to me, he asked me to consider what it would be like to be a refugee, on a makeshift raft, trying to make my way to America. That is where the journey began…and by the time the chorus hit, it was clear our destination was Vegas…the city of Second Chances.”

She adds: “The characters in the song left home and everything they knew to try and create a better life for themselves…packing minimally with maybe a picture of a family member and a wad of dollar bills…just starting over completely.”

“Jon and I co-directed,” ANNA says. “Since I had never been to that side of the country before, I went into full research mode. Where would I hit first? Texas…that sounds good. Let’s follow the Rio Grande all the way to New Mexico. What might I see on the way to Nevada? And then Jon and I got the crazy idea to book flights out to Las Vegas. We went out west with scribbled notes, a half-assed mood board, and rented a car. We bought some smoke bombs at a fireworks store on the way to Death Valley with camera gear in tow and just went for it…without any real plan or idea what we we’re doing. We spent three days straight filming in Vegas, Death Valley, Mesquite Flat San Dunes, 20 Mule Canyon Road, Zabriskie Point, Dante’s View and Red Rock Canyon. It was really amazing to be so simultaneously connected to nature while so disconnected from the rest of the world. Then it was time to get into character.”

Meantime, LOVE BY NUMB3RS recently performed their first live show Anna explains, “We played our first full band live show in late May and the reception was incredible. The fact we started this project in the midst of a global pandemic and through all of Dan’s health issues…to be in front of a live, real human audience, and to receive a standing ovation was an out of body experience. We finished the 9-song set with ‘The Glory’…and right before we started playing, Dan mentioned how when he began writing ‘The Glory’ a few years back, it was meant to be a prayer song. Then, at the 8 o’clock hour town church bells went off like some sort of ominous queue for that gospel track to finish the set. It was so eerie. I cannot tell you how many people approached us after the set to tell us we made them cry and how moved they were from our performance. It felt so good. We hope to make music people really connect with…that’s the big reward.”

A picture containing person, standing, posing

Description automatically generated Photo by Heather Durgin
Pictured (L to R): JON ROODS, ANNA LOMBARD, DAN CONNOR

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June 14, 2021

JEREMY SQUIRES Reveals Touching Music Video For Second Single “FADE”

DT: JUNE 14, 2021

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER, KELLY WALSH / SRO PR

JEREMY SQUIRES
REVEALS TOUCHING MUSIC VIDEO FOR SECOND SINGLE
“FADE”
RECORDED AT FOLK ARTIST’S LATE GRANDMOTHER’S HOUSE

WATCH HERE

TRACK FEATURED ON 11^th STUDIO ALBUM
‘UNRAVEL’
OUT JULY 30 VIA BLACKBIRD RECORD LABEL

“There’s something about this album that is more dreamy. I can see where it’s definitely different than anything that I’ve released.” –JEREMY SQUIRES, 2021

Music and family have always been central to dream-folk artist/multi-instrumentalist JEREMY SQUIRES’ story. On his 11^th studio album UNRAVEL—due out July 30 via Blackbird Record Label—SQUIRES merges distinctive songcraft with deeply felt vocals and musical performances. With his second single, “Fade,” released last Friday (June 11), SQUIRES tackles the emotions he dealt with as he experienced the loss of his grandmother who raised him.

“‘Fade’ is about facing yourself and revisiting memories and/or demons and coming to terms with them,” shares SQUIRES. “There were so many things going through my head when I wrote this song. My grandmother had passed, my life was changing and the people around me were changing and spiraling. I was faced with difficult life choices I had to make, and this song was an outlet.”

The track is accompanied by a stirring black and white video (seen below) filmed across his favorite spots around his hometown of rural North Carolina and at his late grandmother’s home. The video was premiered on June 10 via Bluegrass Situation.

“The video for ‘Fade’ was filmed at various locations in my hometown and in a small neighboring town,” SQUIRES says. “I filmed multiple scenes in my granny’s old home that she left to me. I feel the lyrics reflect the imagery in the video. I filmed a specific scene as I burned a life’s worth of papers and collected memories outside in her yard one night with an old crutch and it was cathartic. ‘Fade’ is one of my favorite videos and I feel that it is one of the best songs on the album. It is definitely one that I am connected to.”

Jeremy Squires - “Fade” (Official Video)
JEREMY SQUIRES – “Fade” Official Music Video

On UNRAVEL, 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.”

UNRAVEL Track Listing

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

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.

Credit: Shelley Ann Squires

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

June 9, 2021

SLEEPING DOGS Release Debut Single/Music Video “NO MERCY”, Debut EP Due In November

DT: JUNE 9, 2021

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER, KELLY WALSH/SRO PR

NEW SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA OUTFIT
SLEEPING DOGS
REVEAL DEBUT SINGLE +
MUSIC VIDEO
“NO MERCY”
FROM DEBUT EP DUE THIS NOVEMBER

Q&A BELOW WITH THE BAND
WHICH IS THE SPINOFF OF WANK

“’No Mercy’ is laid-back mid-tempo ska at its best, led by a slinky guitar lead from Walker. The upstrokes are never in much of a hurry, laying down an almost-funky groove for Amodeo to deliver the song’s message.” –Matt Matasci, MXDWN, 6/8/21

SLEEPING DOGS marks the new spinoff project of the late 90’s SoCal group WANK who first made their mark in 1998 with their debut album on Maverick Records, which featured “Larry Brown” (produced by Mike Ness) and the KROQ hit “Forgiven.”

SLEEPING DOGS features WANK members Bobby Amodeo (bass, vocals), Danny Walker (lead guitar), Higgins X-13 (guitar), formerly of The Offspring, and Spider (drums), along with newly added keyboardist George Hughes Jr. (Ziggy Marley).

The outfit today (June 9) have shared their debut single and video “No Mercy,” an infectious slice of pop-anchored rock contrasted with lyrics “about frustration and wanting revenge,” says Walker. The track—which premiered yesterday (June 8) via MXDWN— was produced by Paul Miner (New Found Glory, Agnostic Front, Adolescents, Zebrahead, H2O) and will be featured on the band’s debut EP in November, to be followed by a full-length album in early 2022. Listen to “No Mercy” streaming now across all digital platforms HERE and check out its music video, directed by Kerry Donovan, streaming below or on YouTube.

Read a Q&A with SLEEPING DOGS about their new music below.

SLEEPING DOGS - "No Mercy" - Official Music Video

SLEEPING DOGS – “No Mercy” Music Video

Q&A WITH SLEEPING DOGS
ON THE NEW SINGLE, “NO MERCY”

“’No Mercy’ is about frustration and wanting revenge. Remember the cartoon with the Devil on one shoulder and the Angel on the other, trying to persuade the person to do their evil or good deed? Well, this is the Devil talking smack to the Angel and the person. After all, we are just vessels, here for a while, to do good and evil.” –Danny Walker

“I think the timing is right for this tune. Fun right out of the gate and keeps you wanting more.” –Bobby Amodeo

ON MAKING THE “NO MERCY” VIDEO

“I said ‘NO–Absolutely Not!’ I will never wear a light blue suit in a rock video as long as I live! Since we had to cancel all the live shows, it was great to have the cameras on us. Things had started rolling again, and we were rolling right into it all as well! It felt good to be getting back to the action.” –Higgins X-13

“It was a unique experience and loads of fun. We spent the day working with professionals, filmographers, a dance troupe and even squeezed in a photo shoot to boot! It was really a kick…!” –Spider

“It was a blast for us to go a different direction musically and visually for this project. Couldn’t be happier with the outcome” –Bobby Amodeo

Credit: Harmony Gerber

Find SLEEPING DOGS online at:
https://www.instagram.com/sleepingdogsofficial

https://www.facebook.com/SleepingDogsOfficial/

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For press inquiries, please contact:

SRO PR

Mitch Schneider – mschneider@sropr.com
Kelly Walsh – kwalsh@sropr.com

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