Press Releases

THE FAIR AT SANTA ANITA PARK Announce Updated Entertainment Offerings

DATE: JULY 23, 2021

FROM: MARCEE RONDAN

STATE FAIR ENTERTAINMENT
ANNOUNCES ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS FOR
THE FAIR AT SANTA ANITA PARK:
FULLY OUTDOOR, ALL-NEW ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE
COMING TO LOS ANGELES
THIS SUMMER

With THE FAIR AT SANTA ANITA PARK set to debut next week (July 29), State Fair Entertainment–organizers for the inaugural outdoor event–have announced the updated entertainment, ride and lifestyle offerings. Set to take place this summer over 16 days–July 29-August 22—THE FAIR AT SANTA ANITA PARK will include onsite activities with something for fans of all ages.

The month-long, weekends-only event (Thursdays-Sundays from 12 Noon-10:00 PM) will include special opening weekend celebrations including an appearance from the World-Renowned Budweiser Clydesdales, a ribbon cutting with the Sho Tay, Mayor of Arcadia, a flyover from Tiger Squadron. Other family-friendly on-site activities include more than 50 rides and games including three Ferris wheels, the Star Tower Swing ride (soaring 125′ above the grounds, with a birds eye view of the fair and surrounding areas), Olympic Bobsled Coaster, Cliff Hanger, a brand-new ride called the Drone, along with a Haunted Mansion and a variety of traditional carnival games. A designated Kid Zone will be highlighted by a train ride, Grand Carousel, Fun Slide, and much more. Fairgoers can also experience multiple daily shows from Team FXM Motorcycle Stunt Show, ExtremeDogs Stunt Dog Show, along with a full line-up of musical performances (see below). In addition, fans will feast on classic festival fare from Juicy’s Fair Food (Giant Turkey Legs, Deep Fried Oreos, Funnel Cakes, Caramel Apples, Lemonade). In addition, early entrants on opening day (Thursday, July 29) will be treated to a free mini powdered sugar funnel cake from noon to 1:00 PM, offer valid while supplies last).


Date	Stage	Bands Name
07/29/21	Main	Led Zepegain	The Led Zeppelin Experience
07/29/21	Paddock	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
07/29/21	Paddock	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
07/30/21	Main	Kenny Chesney	A Tribute to Kenny Chesney
07/30/21	Main	George Michael Reborn	A Tribute to George Michael & Wham
07/30/21	Paddock	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
07/30/21	Paddock	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
07/31/21	Main	Appetite 4 Destruction	Guns N’ Roses Tribute
07/31/21	Main	Jumpin Jack Flash	Rolling Stones Tribute
07/31/21	Paddock	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
07/31/21	Paddock	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
08/01/21	Main	Los Rieleros del Norte	Norteno
08/01/21	Main	Ana Barbara	Norteno
08/01/21	Main	Como La Flor	A Selena Tribute
08/01/21	Main	Las Divas	Mariachi

08/05/21	Main	Hard Day’s Night	The Beatles Tribute
08/05/21	Paddock	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
08/05/21	Paddock	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
08/06/21	Main	Atomic Punks	The Tribute to Early Van Halen
08/06/21	Main	Aeromyth	A Tribute to Aerosmith
08/06/21	Paddock	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
08/06/21	Paddock	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
08/07/21	Main	Saturday Night Fever	Bee Gees Tribute
08/07/21	Paddock	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
08/07/21	Paddock	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
08/08/21	Main	Banda Machos	Banda
08/08/21	Main	Banda Maguey	Banda
08/08/21	Main	La Sonora Dinamita	Cumbia
08/08/21	Main	Mariachi Jose Cervantes	Mariachi

08/12/21	Main	Queen Nation	A Tribute to the music of Queen
08/12/21	Vip	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
08/12/21	Vip	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
08/13/21	Main	Bruno and The Hooligans	A Tribute to Bruno Mars
08/13/21	Main	Jordan Sherman	Jam Band
08/13/21	Paddock	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
08/13/21	Paddock	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
08/14/21	Main	Elton John The Early Years	Kenny Metcalf Tributes Elton
08/14/21	Main	Rebel Soul	Jam Band
08/14/21	Paddock	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
08/14/21	Paddock	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
08/15/21	Main	La Original Banda Limon	Banda
08/15/21	Main	Pablo Montero	Norteno
08/15/21	Main	Las Divas	Mariachi
08/15/21	Main	Rocio “La Dama de la Cumbia”	Cumbia

08/19/21	Main	TLR	A Journey thru the music of The Eagles
08/19/21	Paddosck	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
08/19/21	Paddosck	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
08/20/21	Main	ABBA	The Music of Abba
08/20/21	Main	Slippery When Wet	The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
08/20/21	Paddosck	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
08/20/21	Paddosck	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
08/21/21	Main	DSB	A Musical Tribute to Journey
08/21/21	Main	Pulp Vixen Band	The Go-Gos
08/21/21	Paddosck	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
08/21/21	Paddosck	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
08/22/21	Main	Los Tucanes de Tijuana	Mexican Regional Norteno
08/22/21	Main	Jesus Mendoza	Mexican Regional Norteno/Banda
08/22/21	Main	Tapy Quintero	Mexican Regional Norteno
08/22/21	Main	La Sonora Dinamita	Cumbia
08/22/21	Main	Mariachi	Mariachi

A limited number of early bird flash sale of GA tickets are free (valid for entry before 6pm). These tickets include free access to concerts, but do not include parking, unlimited rides wristbands (valid for up to 5 hours of unlimited rides starting at first scan), or FastPasses – which can all be added on for an additional fee at checkout. Sale is ending shortly, and regular price will resume at that time. All tickets must be purchased online, and weekend General Admission is regularly $12 ($7 for Seniors and Children). Children six and under are free. A limited number on onsite parking is available and must also be purchased in advance. 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. For the most up-to-date information, please go to www.https://statefairent.com/

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BRIAN SETZER Shares “Smash Up On Highway One” Second Single From His Forthcoming ‘Gotta Have The Rumble’ Album

DATE: JULY 23, 2021

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN

BRIAN SETZER
SHARES “SMASH UP ON HIGHWAY ONE,”
SECOND SINGLE FROM
‘GOTTA HAVE THE RUMBLE,’
HIS FIRST SOLO ALBUM IN 7 YEARS OUT
AUGUST 27 VIA SURFDOG RECORDS

LISTEN TO THE SONG HERE

BRIAN SETZER today (July 23) has shared “Smash Up On Highway One,” the second single from GOTTA HAVE THE RUMBLE, his first solo album in 7 years. The album will be out August 27 on Surfdog Records physically (CD) and digitally, with the vinyl due this fall (TBA). The iconic guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and 3-time Grammy award-winner, who last month announced the all-original 11-track album with the single and animated video for “Checkered Flag,” co-wrote the blazing “Smash Up On Highway One,” with frequent writing partner Mike Himelstein. Listen to the song here and at streaming services everywhere. Pre-order the album here.

“I usually start out with a guitar riff,” says SETZER about writing “Smash Up On Highway One.” “I was playing ‘Misirlou’ by Dick Dale with the Stray Cats, and I thought, ‘wow I’d love to write something as cool as that riff.’ So I came up with something out of left field. I don’t know what you would call it–Middle Eastern or Eastern-European. Some college professor probably has a name for that scale. I had that riff laying around. I guess you could say I’m always collecting cool guitar parts. Mike Himelstein sent me those lyrics and they just fit right in. I think it’s really cool–it’s a way to move the whole rockabilly genre forward. The surf drum part in there with the guy playing the tom-toms similar to ‘Wipeout.’ I love it.”

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 RUMBLE 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.”

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

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

SRO Press Releases + Media Assets

Hollywood Rockers BUDDERSIDE Share “Things We Do (feat. MUSYCA Children’s Choir)” Lyric Video, Announce Upcoming Shows

DT: JULY 23, 2021

FM: KELLY WALSH, SRO PR

HOLLYWOOD ROCK & ROLL OUTFIT
BUDDERSIDE
RELEASE MUSIC VIDEO FOR
“THINGS WE DO” (FEAT MUSYCA CHILDREN’S CHOIR)
TAKEN FROM SOPHOMORE ALBUM ‘SPIRITUAL VIOLENCE’

BAND ANNOUNCE ROCKLAHOMA FESTIVAL APPEARANCE &
AUGUST HOMETOWN SHOW

BUDDERSIDE bridge the gap between the sexy swagger of the Sunset Strip and the soulful depths of Seattle on their recent sophomore release SPIRITUAL VIOLENCE via Motörhead Music/Silver Lining Music. Recorded with legendary producer Jay Baumgardner (Bush, Godsmack, Papa Roach) and mastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer Howie Weinberg (Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage), the album shares heartbreak, perseverance, meditation, and resurrection from the throes of addiction across its 10 spiritually evocative and meticulously crafted songs. The album also features guest appearances from Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell and Butcher Babies vocalist Carla Harvey.

The quintet today (July 23) have shared an evocative animated lyric video for the deeply personal track “Things We Do,” which features Musyca Children’s Choir and covers the trials and tribulations of dealing with addiction. Watch it streaming now via YouTube HERE or directly above.

Vocalist/guitarist PATRICK STONE shares: “‘Things We Do’ is a firsthand walk through addiction, the loss of a dear friend and the hypocritical, empty promise of getting high.”

BUDDERSIDE—who were personally signed by late Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister–have built a reputation on the road, touring with staple metal acts including Slayer, Anthrax, L.A. Guns and Motörhead, as well as appearing at major worldwide music festivals including Wacken Open Air (Germany), Malmö Festival (Sweden), Motörhead’s Motörboat and Monsters Of Rock cruise. They will continue to bring their riveting performance to the stages as they have been announced as part of the lineup for Rocklahoma (Rob Zombie, Slipknot, Limp Bizkit) taking place from September 3-5. Prior to that, BUDDERSIDE will play their first show since the pandemic in their Los Angeles hometown as they headline The North End Hollywood on Sunday, August 8.

“Budderside are one of the most exciting bands out of LA in a really long time,” declares former MTV VJ and music personality Matt Pinfield. “For my money–what rock music should be. They have the goods–a frontman with real swagger and incredible players who deliver their songs with passion, power and conviction.”

BUDDERSIDE have previously released four cinematic music video singles from SPIRITUAL VIOLENCE—including “Zen” (filmed in Tokyo, Japan) and “Pardon Me (feat. Phill Campbell),” which have been featured as finalists and official selections at various independent film festivals (Los Angeles Film Awards, Virgin Spring Cinefest, Fantasy/Sci-Fi Film & Screenplay Festival and Lift Off Global Network Berlin). Read an interview with each video’s director HERE.

Listen to a stream of SPIRITUAL VIOLENCE here: https://smarturl.it/spiritual-violence

(Lineup (l-r): Logan Nikolic, Jeff Dewbray {top}, Gabe Maska, Patrick Stone {top}, Sam “Bam” Koltun; Photo Credit: Mathias Fau)

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

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

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

YES Today Launch Video For “The Ice Bridge” From Upcoming Album ‘The Quest’

DATE: JULY 23, 2021

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/ANDREA FAULK, SRO PR

YES
LAUNCH VIDEO TODAY FOR
“THE ICE BRIDGE”

FIRST TRACK FROM THE FORTHCOMING
NEW STUDIO ALBUM
‘THE QUEST’ OUT OCTOBER 1

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

A picture containing diagram Description automatically generated Artwork by Roger Dean

YES, who are Steve Howe, Alan White, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison and Billy Sherwood, recently announced they will release their new studio album THE QUEST on InsideOutMusic/Sony Music on October 1. The album was produced by Steve Howe, who says:”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.”

THE QUEST was recorded across the globe. The sessions took place in the UK with Steve Howe, Geoff Downes and Jon Davison, while Alan White and Billy Sherwood got together in the studio in the US. “Billy Sherwood and myself did all the rhythm sections, bass and drum, in America,” says Alan White, “down in Los Angeles at Uncle Studios, where he works a lot. It helps when you’ve got a good place to work,” Alan laughs, “and Billy’s really good on the recording desk, so we got things down relatively quickly. I spent quite a while studying the music before I went down to LA so I was prepared.”

YES are pleased to today (July 23) reveal “The Ice Bridge,” the first track from the album. Watch the video here.

Alan White comments: “I’m extremely proud to be a part of this music and believe the video graphics are outstanding. A collaboration of many talents coming together to produce ‘The Ice Bridge.’ I hope our fans/audiences will appreciate the creativity put forward. I’m pleased to share it with the world and hope everyone will enjoy the ride.”

Steve Howe adds: “‘The Ice Bridge’ opens the album in the dark and moody key of C minor, aided by the orchestra. The rolling bass part kicks things into gear as the vocals and guitars start a winding journey through the various structures till the breakdown happens, where ice breaking is heard.”

Jon Davison was working with Geoff Downes on “The Ice Bridge” (Davison/Downes), looking at the dangers of climate change. He explained how he sets about collaborating with his band mates.

“Usually what happens is each member is left to write their respective parts and put their stamp on things,” says Davison. “Geoff sent me a selection of exciting and often gorgeous snippets he had created and made it clear that he wished I experiment freely and develop as needed. This in turn gave me the confidence to take on the vocal role–lyrics, vocal melody and harmony, how the vocals are presented and uniquely phrased–but all the while striving to stay faithful to Geoff’s initial ideas.”

“Jon’s vocals are fantastic,” adds Geoff Downes. “He’s really come into his own as a YES vocalist. This time he’s started to get the writing side together and working with the other musicians has been developmental for him. I think he’s hit a rich seam on this one.”

Map Description automatically generated Artwork by Roger Dean

THE QUEST is also now available for pre-order on various formats, including a Limited Deluxe Box-Set that features a Gatefold 180g 2LP on exclusive coloured vinyl, 2CD+Blu-ray Digipak (featuring 5.1 mix & backing tracks), 36-page perfect bound booklet, enamel pin badge, 60x90cm poster, slipmat & hand-numbered certificate of authenticity, all house in a rigid lift-off box.

Containing 11 songs, 8 on the main CD with 3 extra tracks on a bonus CD, THE QUEST will also be available as Limited 2CD+Blu-ray Artbook, 2CD Digipak, Gatefold 2LP+2CD & as Digital Album. Pre-order now here: https://yes-band.lnk.to/TheQuest

THE QUEST – 2CD Digipak tracklisting:

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-booklet
2CD Digipak
Digital Album

Cover artwork designed and created by the band’s long term collaborator Roger Dean.

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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New Wave of Classic Rock Trio THE BLACK MOODS Announce Fall U.S. Tour with THE DEAD DAISIES

DT: JULY 22, 2021

FM: KELLY WALSH, SRO PR

ROCK’N’ROLL TRIO
THE BLACK MOODS
ANNOUNCE FALL U.S.TOUR WITH THE DEAD DAISIES
SEPT. 10–OCT.15

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

(Lineup [l-r]: Josh Kennedy (vocals, guitars), Jordan Hoffman (bass, backing vocals), Chico Diaz (drums, backing vocals);Photo Credit: Jim Louvau)

Born in the Arizona desert and reared on stages across North America, THE BLACK MOODS have been trailblazers for the ‘new wave of classic rock’ movement with their guitar-driven rock that delivers a fresh, fiery update of a timeless sound. The trio—vocalist/guitarist JOSH KENNEDY, drummer CHICO DIAZ and bassist/backing vocalist JORDAN HOFFMAN–are excited to announce they will embark on their first tour pegged to their critically acclaimed 2020 sophomore album SUNSHINE–recorded by Grammy-nominated producer Johnny K (Disturbed, 3 Doors Down)–due to the halt of live music last year as a result of the pandemic.

The band will join Australian-American rock collective THE DEAD DAISIES across the U.S. on their “Like No Other” tour this fall alongside rock & roll comedian Don Jamieson (VH1’s That Metal Show). It kicks off September 10 in Rockford, IL and stretches to the West Coast, wrapping in Seattle, WA October 15. The trek includes a stop for THE BLACK MOODS at Aftershock Festival October 9 in Sacramento, CA. Full dates are listed below and tickets are on sale now at www.theblackmoods.com.

In addition to performing hits from SUNSHINE, THE BLACK MOODS will give fans a first listen to new music taken from its much-anticipated follow-up expected to be released later this year. The as-yet-untitled album was recorded over the past year while the band was off the road due to the covid pandemic.

“We’re thrilled to be back on the road again and getting back to what we do best,” shared the band collectively. “Playing with our rock & roll heroes in The Dead Daisies is icing on the cake, and we can’t wait to trade jokes with Don Jamieson as well! We’re happy to finally be able to perform ‘Sunshine’ live and even more excited to share a sneak peek of new material from our upcoming album too. We will see you all on the road!”

SUNSHINE, released last May via Steelhorse Entertainment, marked several career highlights for THE BLACK MOODS including their first-ever Top 20 Billboard Active Rock charting single, title track “Sunshine” (which peaked at #16), a cover feature with their hometown local weekly newspaper, Phoenix New Times (May 7, 2020) and three additional Top 30 singles (“Bad News” [#24], “Bella Donna” [#29] and “Whatcha Got” [#30]). The band also released a stirring music video for the album’s ballad “Home” which featured footage of the band and their families which captured the world’s feeling of struggling being unable to be with loved ones.

With touring at a halt, THE BLACK MOODS temporarily relocated their home studio from Phoenix to the Ozarks (where Kennedy was born and raised) and recorded their next album in the house of their label owner, once again with Karkazis, in addition to recording a track remotely using advanced virtual software with legendary producer Eddie Kramer (Led Zeppelin, The Beatles) who was based in Canada. Stay tuned for further details on their third album–due out later this year–in the coming months.

Come experience THE BLACK MOODS riveting live show at one of their upcoming dates:

8/3 Scottsdale, AZ @ Frasher’s Tavern
8/6 Salt Lake City, UT @ The Royal (w/ Royal Bliss, Smile Empty Soul)
8/7 Lewiston, ID @ Snake River Rock Fest ^
9/5 Charlotte, NC @ Hops & Hogs Festival ^
9/10 Rockford, IL @ The Apollo Theater AC #
9/11 Joliet, IL @ The Forge #
9/13 Fort Wayne, IN @ Piere’s #
9/14 Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theater #
9/17 Buffalo, NY @ The Showplace Theater #
9/18 Vineland, NJ @ The Landis #
9/20 New York, NY @ Sony Hall #
9/22 Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27 #
9/24 Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room #
9/25 St. Petersburg, FL @ Jannus Live #
9/27 Sauget, IL @ Pop’s #
9/29 Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater #
9/30 San Antonio, TX @ The Rock Box #
10/2 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live #
10/3 Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live #
10/7 San Diego, CA @ Ramona Mainstage #
10/9 Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock Festival ^
10/10 Roseville, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post (Placer) #
10/12 Portland, OR @ Alberta Rose Theater #
10/15 Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theater #
# with The Dead Daisies, Don Jamieson
^ festival appearance

For tickets & more information on THE BLACK MOODS, please visit:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE

SRO PR Assets + Releases: http://sropr.com/portfolio/the-black-moods/

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

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

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)

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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WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

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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”

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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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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

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

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