Press Releases - Page 103 of 175

May 16, 2022

The Aria’s Magical Ambience + Lemongrass’ Elegantly Tasty Thai Dishes

Always a treat to drop into the Aria in the City Center section of The Strip—the dazzling city-of-light glass towers there put me in a cool New York state of mind.

Then there are the hotel’s signature restaurants like the gorgeously designed Lemongrass where the elegantly tasty Thai food includes standout dishes like the Eggplant Claypot, Black Pepper Shrimp and Drunken Noodle Seafood.

In the lobby after dinner, we admired the floating cloud fixtures hanging from the ceiling—the eyes painted on them peacefully watched over everyone going about their business.

May 13, 2022

THE HU Reveal New Single & Video “This Is Mongol” Ahead Of Sophomore Album Due This Summer via Better Noise Music

DT: MAY 13, 2022

FM: KELLY WALSH, MITCH SCHNEIDER / SRO PR

CRITICALLY CELEBRATED MONGOLIAN ROCK BAND
THE HU
PREMIERE A NEW SINGLE, “THIS IS MONGOL,”
AND VIDEO, AHEAD OF THEIR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SOPHOMORE ALBUM EXPECTED THIS SUMMER

WATCH HERE

DOWNLOAD ARTWORK | DOWNLOAD PHOTO
Photo Credit: Enkhbat Nyamkhishig

Further Details on the The HU’s Highly Anticipated Second Studio Album to be Revealed in the Coming Weeks via Band’s Social Media Channels
Band Continuing to Headline Shows This Spring on The Black Thunder Tour

Today, acclaimed Mongolian rock band THE HU released a new single called “This Is Mongol” ahead of their second official studio album set for release later this summer via Better Noise Music. With “This Is Mongol,” as with all of their music, THE HU connects the world to Mongolian culture and its unique core values of natural preservation and spiritual connection with the earth. These core values are on full display in the new, epic official video for “This is Mongol,” also released today. The deeply meaningful lyrics uplift the Mongol people, as the band wishes for prosperity and peace among all. Previously debuting at #1 on the World Album and Top New Artist charts with their 2019 debut album THE GEREG, the band is excited to start dropping new music for fans. Currently on their Black Thunder Tour this spring, THE HU also recently played at Coachella, earning an array of critical acclaim. They will also join Five Finger Death Punch and Megadeath on tour later this summer. Full list of dates below. To stream, download and catch the stunning video for “This Is Mongol,” click HERE.

Speaking about the video, singer and tumur hhuur player Jaya said, “We shot in the Mojave Desert, Nevada and the environment reminded us of Gobi Desert in Mongolia. We enjoyed shooting the video, which happened during our tour and gave us a little break to reminisce about home. The song perfectly matched the environment we made the video in. It was one of the best memories we created as a band and it was special because our producer Dashka was with us to oversee the whole process.”

Enkush, who also sings and plays the morin khuur, shared his thoughts on their tour dates with Five Finger Death Punch and Megadeth, “We grew up listening to Megadeth and can’t express how much they have inspired and motivated us to do what we love every day, so you can only imagine our excitement for our next tour with them. Everybody knows Megadeth is one of the four biggest trailblazers in thrash metal and to be performing with a modern band such as FFDP is truly going to be legendary. Although it will be our first time performing with them, we will bring our A-game on this tour.”

Thrilled to be sharing more of their Mongolian roots, producer Dashka said, “Creating this song meant so much to me. We are announcing our arrival through music and specifically through this song. In these uncertain times, I hope we are bringing positivity, empowerment and strength to fight for better days.”

In celebration of their new single and upcoming album, THE HU also released an official music video directed by John Connor Hammond. The visual is set in the Mojave Desert and showcases the band energetically performing their inspiring new single “This Is Mongol.”

Over the last several months, the band has been recording new material in their homeland of Mongolia and shared an update from the studio with fans on their YouTube channel HERE. While on their current headlining tour, the band has been teasing the new music from their much-awaited sophomore album, out late this summer. The tour continues tonight, May 13, in Portland, ME and will see the band journey across the southern U.S. throughout May 29 landing in Dallas, TX before ending in Mexico City, MX on May 31. For more information on The Black Thunder Tour, visit https://www.thehuofficial.com/tour-1.

On the morin khuur and serving as a vocalist, Gala talked about their recording process, “Our second album was recorded during Covid lockdown, where we used the time to put our best effort and astounding amount of energy to focus on the work. Therefore, it is our hope to present our listeners with unique songs that have their own characteristics.”

Temka, who plays the tovshurr and sings background vocals, also spoke about their upcoming album, “The new album has great quality, composition, melody and overall it is sensational. The lyrics that Dashka wrote consist of our traditional values, virtues and wisdom of our ancestors. Our fans can expect to hear and feel the messages we try to deliver through our songs, such as love and respect for parental love, the importance of sustainability and cultural heritage. We can’t wait for our fans to listen and enjoy our second album and are excited to be performing for fans whom we have yet to meet. We will see you very soon and send our regards to our fans all over the world!”

Soon after, THE HU will continue their trek across North America, as they head out on tour with Megadeth, Five Finger Death Punch, and Fire From The Gods. The tour, presented by Live Nation, will kick off in Portland, Oregon on August 19th and span over 30 dates, closing out on October 15 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Concertgoers are promised an intense multi-faceted night of heavy rock music. Tickets are on sale now HERE.

Most recently, the band headlined a tour last fall through North America after joining Halestorm’s headlining tour, reuniting with frontwoman Lzzy Hale, their special guest on “Song of Women” from their #1-charting debut album THE GEREG. In addition to those tours, THE HU also performed a slew of high-profile festival dates including Austin City Limits, Outside Lands, Rocklahoma, Inkcarceration and more. Those dates coincided with THE HU’s appearance on Metallica’s Special 30th Anniversary ‘Black Album’ Reissue Covers Project, for which they covered the legendary band’s “Through the Never.” They appeared on the track listing alongside some of the biggest names in music – Elton John, Miley Cyrus, Yo-Yo Ma, St. Vincent, Phoebe Bridgers, J Balvin with the Neptunes, Weezer, and many more – who offered their own renditions of Metallica’s songs that originally appeared on the iconic LP.

The band is excited to share more news on new music and further touring in the coming weeks on their social media channels and encourage everyone to give them a follow so they don’t miss out on anything: Website, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok.

The HU Upcoming Tour Dates:
May 13 – Portland, ME – State Theater
May 14 – Albany, NY – Empire Live
May 16 – Washington, DC – Warner Theater
May 17 – Norfolk, VA – The NorVa
May 19 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore
May 20 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
May 21 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm
May 22 – Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome to Rockville
May 25 – Birmingham, AL – Iron City
May 26 – Little Rock, AR – Little Rock Music Hall
May 27 – Oklahoma City, OK – Tower Theater
May 28 – The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (Buzzfest)
May 29 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
May 31 – Mexico City, MEX – Lunario
Aug 19 – Portland, OR – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
Aug 20 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheater
Aug 23 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheater
Aug 24 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheater
Aug 26 – Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion
Aug 27 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
Aug 30 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
Sep 1 – Del Valle, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Sep 2 – Houston, TX –The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
Sep 6 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
Sep 7 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Sep 9 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
Sep 10 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
Sep 12 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Sep 14 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
Sep 15 – Camden, NJ – Waterfront Music Pavilion
Sep 17 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater
Sep 18 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
Sep 20 – Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
Sep 21 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake**
Sep 23 – Scranton, PA – Pavilion at Montage Mountain
Sep 24 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium
Sep 27 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater**
Sep 28 –Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
Sep 30 – Tinley Park, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
Oct 1 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
Oct 4 – Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center
Oct 5 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
Oct 7 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater – Summerfest Grounds
Oct 8 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
Oct 10 – Atlanta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Oct 12 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
Oct 14 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Oct 15 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheater
**5FDP, The HU, and Fire From The Gods only

See full list of the band’s upcoming live shows and ticket information at https://www.thehuofficial.com/tour-1.

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About The HU
In 2019, an NPR story put a spotlight on “a band from Mongolia that blends the screaming guitars of heavy metal and traditional Mongolian guttural singing,” accurately highlighting the cultural importance and unique musical identity of The HU. Founded in 2016 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, The HU, Gala, Jaya, Temka, and Enkush, are a modern rock group rooted in the tradition of their homeland. The band’s two most popular videos, “Yuve Yuve” and “Wolf Totem,” were produced by the band’s producer Dashka. The band’s name translates to the Mongolian root word for human being, and their unique approach blends instruments like the Morin Khuur (horsehead fiddle), Tovshuur (Mongolian guitar), Tumur Khuur (jaw harp) and throat singing with contemporary sounds, creating a unique sonic profile that they call “Hunnu Rock.”

Their debut album, 2019 ‘s The Gereg, debuted at #1 on the World Album and Top New Artist Charts. With it, the band have accumulated over 250 million combined streams and video views to date and have received critical acclaim from the likes of Billboard, NPR, GQ, The Guardian, The Independent, Revolver, and even Sir Elton John himself.

Proving their global appeal, The HU have sold out venues across the world in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, with scheduled festival appearances at Coachella, Lollapalooza, Download Festival, and more, creating a community of fans from all walks of life. They quickly grabbed the attention of the industry, leading to collaborations with Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach and Lzzy Hale of Halestorm. And most recently, the band received praise from fans and critics for their Mongolian rendition of Metallica’s “Sad But True,” which Metallica picked up on and invited them to record ‘Through The Never’ for their Metallica Blacklist album released in 2021 alongside other high-profile guest artists like Miley Cyrus, Chris Stapleton, Phoebe Bridgers, J Balvin, St. Vincent, and so many more. The band has also explored eclectic ways to reach audiences with their sound, most notably writing and recording music for EA Games’ Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.

Readying their next chapter as a global force, The HU are putting the finishing touches on their highly anticipated sophomore album, which is due for a global release later this year from Better Noise Music. The Hu will tour with Five Finger Death Punch and Megadeth starting August 19^th 2022.

Connect with The HU
Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok

ABOUT BETTER NOISE MUSIC

BETTER NOISE MUSIC is the premiere independent music label under BETTER NOISE ENTERTAINMENT, a content creation and marketing company that produces music, books, films, documentaries, TV shows, theatrical productions, and tours. Better Noise Music (formerly Eleven Seven Music), founded in 2006 by music industry veteran and independent pioneer Allen Kovac, focuses on artist development and has grown into a music industry independent powerhouse, with a roster including Five Finger Death Punch, Asking Alexandria, Bad Wolves, Dirty Heads, Nothing More, The HU, AWOLNATION, All Good Things, From Ashes To New, Cory Marks, and Fire From The Gods. Partnering with FUGA, AMPED and Membran, the company operates a global marketing and distribution platform with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Berlin, Paris, Toronto and Sydney.

In 2021, Better Noise Music dominated Billboard’s Year End charts in the rock space, landing at #1 on the Mainstream Rock Imprint, Hard Rock Songs Imprint, Hard Rock Songs Label charts and ranked as one of the top Mainstream Rock Label for the year.

For information, visit: http://betternoise.com/

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

BETTER NOISE MUSIC
Eliana Nunez – eliana@betternoise.com

May 12, 2022

Hard Rock outfit COLD KINGDOM Tackle Menacing Affect of Social Media with New Song “AGONY”

DT: MAY 13, 2022

FM: KELLY WALSH, SRO PR

HARD ROCK OUTFIT
COLD KINGDOM
REVEAL NEW SINGLE
“AGONY”
OUT NOW ACROSS DIGITAL PLATFORMS

LISTEN HERE

BAND ANNOUNCE ADDITIONAL SUMMER FESTIVAL DATES & SHOWS

Minneapolis-based hard rock outfit COLD KINGDOM are excited to share the second track “Agony” from their forthcoming third album due this summer via oneRPM. The fierce and rhythmically intense new single minces no words as it tackles the harmful effects of social media. “Agony” is out today across digital platforms at this link: https://onerpm.link/agony. An official music video for the track will premiere next Friday, May 20.

“‘Agony’ is an energetic and aggressive song that digs into how vile people can be on social media,” collectively shares COLD KINGDOM who are: Elissa-Marie Ogaard (vocals), Evan Ogaard (guitar), Jason Michael (bass) and Chris Morley (drums).“It’s far too often that people publicly project their negative opinions and judgements on one another, whether asked to or not, whether warranted or not. It’s so easy to hide behind a screen and present a one-sided narrative that shines a light on themselves while completely disrespecting someone else or their views.”

COLD KINGDOM launched their new album with the pulverizing debut single “Criminal” featuring Danny Case of From Ashes to New which Outburn Magazine described as “a lethal combination of fury and sentiment.” Watch the music video HERE. The track is currently at #49 on Billboard’s Active Rock radio charts.

The quartet have brought their energy-filled shows to stages across the U.S. alongside acts including Shinedown, Chevelle, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Saving Abel, Puddle of Mudd and Nonpoint, in addition to festival appearances at Northern Invasion, RockFest, Summerfest and more. COLD KINGDOM will next appear performing the opening night of Welcome To Rockville on May 18 in Daytona Beach, FL and have a series of shows throughout the summer including festival stops at Moondance Jam (Bret Michaels, Candlebox) and Mile of Music Festival. Full dates are as follows:

5/18 Daytona Beach, Fl – Welcome To Rockville
5/21 Akron, OH – The Vortex
7/9 Omaha, NE – Slowdown
7/23 Walker, MN – Moondance Jam
8/5 Appleton, WI – Mile of Music Festival

A group of people posing for a photo Description automatically generated with medium confidence Lineup (l-r): Evan Ogaard, Elissa-Marie Ogaard, Jason Michael, Chris Morley (Drums)
Credit: Brad Gunnarson

Find COLD KINGDOM online at:
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY

PRESS ASSETS: www.sropr.com/portfolio/cold-kingdom

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

May 12, 2022

Feeling The Love at the Plant-Based Graze Kitchen

It’s hard not to start a love affair with Graze Kitchen + its imaginative plant-based creations. From the folks behind Firefly Tapas and Tacos & Beer, this fairly new eatery in the southwestern area of Vegas is part of the city’s dynamic + ever-growing vegan food scene.

The two appetizers we ordered were instant home-runs: the Firecracker Cauliflower (with panko breadcumbs + sweet & sour glaze) + the heaven-sent Crab Cakes (with cornmeal breadcrumb + remoulade sauce). Our entrees were a Cobb salad with deviled tofu, a taco salad + another with soba noodles—all dreamy + crunchy—plus the Graze Burger (quinoa-walnut patty on a toasted pretzel bun) served with fries.

We couldn’t leave without trying Graze’s carrot cake + a slice of their lemon blueberry cake—both were subtle + on-point. And the Moon Milk, with the lavender syrup + steamed oat milk, is a must-have.

The dishes at Graze are flavorful + creatively plated, and the eatery’s whimsical interior design perfectly complements the experience of dining here.

As testament to this city’s vegan movement, this past November marked the debut of the Vegas Vegan Culinary School. Founded by self-described “passionate animal welfare advocate” Heather Heath, it’s the city’s first vegan cooking school and, impressively, the first non-accredited vegan cooking school in America.

What these chefs are doing with plant-based food is uplifting and feels revolutionary. There will always be people flocking to the classic Vegas steak houses, but an eatery like Graze, to my mind, is a more interesting route to take.

Meanwhile, all eyes are on the upcoming opening (in late-May) of Crossroads Kitchen—the Vegas outpost of the acclaimed high-end L.A. vegan restaurant—at Resorts World. Hopefully it will be another plant-based gem to fall in love with.

May 12, 2022

THE BLACK MOODS Drop Sultry Music Video For Blues-Drenched Rock Track “The Cure”; Announce Summer Tour Dates

DT: MAY 11, 2022

FM: KELLY WALSH, SRO PR

PHOENIX, AZ ROCK & ROLL TRIO
THE BLACK MOODS
REVEAL SULTRY MUSIC VIDEO FOR NEW TRACK
“THE CURE”
OUT THIS FRIDAY, MAY 13

WATCH HERE

NEW ALBUM ‘INTO THE NIGHT’ DUE JUNE 3
PRE-SAVE HERE

BAND ANNOUNCE SUMMER TOUR DATES

Phoenix, AZ rock & roll trio THE BLACK MOODS heat things up with a sultry music video for their latest track, “The Cure,” taken from their upcoming June 3 album INTO THE NIGHT via Wit Hustle/The Orchard /Steelhorse Entertainment. “The Cure” is a “sultry slowburner” that highlights the band’s “raw, riff-heavy, blues-drenched rock” style according to Metal Edge Magazine who premiered its video earlier this week. Watch “The Cure” music video–directed by Jim Louvau & Tony Aguilera (Jerry Cantrell, Killer Be Killed)– streaming above or on YouTube HERE in advance of its release across digital platforms this Friday, May 13.

“To me, ‘The Cure’ is the bluesiest song we have,” says vocalist/guitarist Josh Kennedy. “It came together very naturally and has ALL the sex appeal in it. It’s a love song about something being so good, but so bad for you at the same time. She’s Bella Donna.”

THE BLACK MOODS have previously shared three tracks from INTO THE NIGHT: “She Gets Out,” “Hollywood” and their current radio single, the hedonistic anthem “Saturday Night,” which is currently in the Top 50 Billboard rock charts. The album was recorded with Grammy Award-nominated producer Johnny “K” Karkazis (3 Doors Down, Disturbed), who the band previously enlisted on their critically acclaimed 2020 sophomore effort SUNSHINE. INTO THE NIGHT is an album that’s felt as much as heard, rooted in the stomp of drummer Chico Diaz‘s kick drum, the pulse of Jordan Hoffman‘s bass, and the larger-than-life presence of Josh Kennedy. Pre-save INTO THE NIGHT now at: https://orcd.co/tbmintothenight.

The blazing rock trio will ignite stages across the midwest this summer as they head out on a run of dates alongside Royal Bliss in addition to a handful of headlining shows and a stop in Mexico to take part in Roger Clyne’s Circus Mexicus festival. Full dates are listed below. THE BLACK MOODS were recently seen performing as the halftime entertainment for their hometown NBA team Phoenix Suns winning semi-finals game on May 10 at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ to over 16,000 attendees. This followed their performance at Cannaval Festival in late April and a sold-out show at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, AZ earlier this year.

THE BLACK MOODS Tour Dates:

5/25 Council Bluffs, IA @ Big Kels*
5/26 Cedar Rapids, IA @ Chrome Horse Saloon*
5/27 Keokuk, IA @ L-Treyns*
5/28 Madison, WI @ Bratfest
6/9-10 Puerto Penasco, MX – Circus Mexicus
6/18 Tucson, AZ – The Rock
6/24-25 Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ – Weekend In The Pines
7/23 Wisconsin Dells, WI – Crystal Grand Music Theatre (w/Scott Stapp)
*with Royal Bliss

A picture containing text, crosswalk, vector graphics Description automatically generated l-r: Chico Diaz, Josh Kennedy, Jordan Hoffman
Credit: Jim Louvau

Find THE BLACK MOODS online:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE

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

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

May 10, 2022

OSAKA POPSTAR Reveal Animated Music Video for “Lost & Found” Starring Fred Armisen

DT: MAY 10, 2022

FM: KELLY WALSH, SRO PR

ANIME-PUNK ROCK COLLECTIVE
OSAKA POPSTAR
REVEAL ANIMATED MUSIC VIDEO FOR CATCHY NEW SINGLE,
“LOST & FOUND”
STARRING FRED ARMISEN

WATCH HERE

NEW RECORD ‘EAR CANDY’ OUT NOW VIA MISFITS RECORDS

Background pattern Description automatically generated Cover Artwork by Josh Howard (Dead@17)

Following last Friday’s (May 6) release of their new album EAR CANDY via Misfits Records in collaboration with Demented Punk, anime-meets-NY punk rock collective OSAKA POPSTAR are excited to reveal the animated video for its rocking and infectiously sweet original single “Lost & Found.”

Out today (May 10), the “Lost & Found” music video was written, produced and directed by OSAKA POPSTAR’s frontman and longtime Misfits and Ramones collaborator John Cafiero. The cartoonized video stars actor/comedian/musician Fred Armisen (Portlandia, SNL, Documentary Now) as the main character, a lost and lonely soul seeking out an unattainable love, all while paying homage to Saturday morning breakfast cereals, the Partridge Family, the Archies and the Monkees—all of which are artists OSAKA POPSTAR cover throughout EAR CANDY. Watch it streaming below or via YouTube HERE.

Find an exclusive Q&A with Cafiero below outlining the process of creating the video.

EAR CANDY is fronted and produced by Cafiero (vocals), with Dean Rispler (The Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black) on guitar and bass, Jon Wurster (Superchunk, The Mountain Goats, Bob Mould) on drums and features guest backing vocals from indie rocker Colleen Green. It is available now across all digital platforms and on CD and Limited-Edition candy swirl ‘bite’ vinyl (as seen in the above cover art and included featured in the “Lost & Found” video). Its CD and vinyl versions also include a download card with MP3’s and a digital full-color 32-page variant first issue of the upcoming “Sweetie Candy Vigilante” comic book exclusive to this release. Get your copy now at https://store.osakapopstar.com.

OSAKA POPSTAR recently unveiled a deluxe expanded and remastered edition of their debut album, OSAKA POPSTAR AND THE AMERICAN LEGENDS OF PUNK, which features a backing lineup of punk rock legends Jerry Only (The Misfits), Marky Ramone (Ramones), Dez Cadena (Black Flag) and Ivan Julian (Richard Hell & The Voidoids) along with a special guest appearance from the late outsider music icon Daniel Johnston. The band followed up its release with a collaboration with Grammy Award-winning artist “Weird Al” Yankovic for Record Store Day Black Friday 2021 to release a “blistering, accordion-tinged cover” (Rolling Stone) exclusive 12-inch split, BEAT ON THE BRAT which immediately sold out and was listed as one of the Top 5 and Top 10 Record Store Day releases across several notable media outlets including iHeart Radio News.

Find more on OSAKA POPSTAR online at:
https://osakapopstar.com/
https://www.facebook.com/OsakaPopstar/
https://twitter.com/osakapopstar
https://www.instagram.com/osakapopstar/

Q&A WITH OSAKA POPSTAR’s JOHN CAFIERO

—Congrats on creating the “Lost & Found” animated video, which you wrote, produced and directed. What inspired you to take this approach and why do you feel it’s the best visual to represent the song?

“Thanks. I’m a bit of an art junkie, and over time, have amassed an extensive roster of surreal characters in the Osaka Popstar universe. I like to weave them into the fabric of what we do, and animation is an excellent outlet for that. In fact, to date, every Osaka Popstar music video has been fully animated. The irony here being that initially, I was planning to do this particular video in live action, but the more time passed, it eventually evolved into a fully animated video.

Although I have a background producing and directing live action, I’m a former animator as well, and I’ve always loved the medium. There are no limits, no boundaries, and anything can happen beyond the confines of reality. I love making the impossible possible and spinning things into surreality tends to be a lot of fun.

I think the video distills the core of the song into terms everyone can relate to, but in a fun and entertaining way, while simultaneously capturing the vibe of not only the song itself, but Osaka Popstar generally—and the new record. I’m thrilled with how it turned out, and I hope others enjoy it as much as I do when they see it. So far, the reaction from those who’ve seen it has been amazing, and the guys in the band were blown away by it.”

—In creating the video, were there any challenges and how did you handle them?

“Some of the challenges were ensuring my key concepts would be realized within the storyline, and also ensuring we captured not only the likenesses, but the essence of everyone that was transported into animated form. Not to mention, wrapping it all by the record’s release date, while living up to my high standards and expectations. I’m genuinely passionate about everything I do, and I believe that’s the key to making it all gel in the end. The process is fun, but it’s hard work and involves a lot of hours and extreme attention to detail. I tend to be relentless in ensuring the end result lives up to its full potential, and I think we accomplished that with this video, in a fairly quick turnaround time too.”

—The video stars the animated Fred Armisen. Can you tell us about how you know Fred and what inspired you to ask him to use his likeness in the video?

“Fred and I have mutual friends and met briefly at the first Misfits reunion show in 2016. On the flight home, we ran into each other at the gate in the airport. As fate would have it, our seats were assigned right next to each other on the flight, and we’ve kept in touch ever since. I’ve always liked his work, and we have a lot of common interests. His favorite bands are my favorite bands, (bands who would turn out to become an integral part of my life and career), and we’ve both been huge John Waters fans from an age many would consider too young to have seen his films. John jokingly once told me he could have been arrested for me seeing Pink Flamingos when I did!

The basic premise of the video was inspired by real life events! I was waiting in my car parked outside of a supermarket in NYC, and a guy in a business suit passing by, stopped at the picture glass window of the storefront and, while gesturing to someone inside, started doing all these absolutely crazy and ridiculous dances—and I’m talking full throttle! I had no idea what he was up to, but I was mesmerized by it. It turned out that he was trying to get the attention of a girl working the checkout line. Making it more bizarre is that he was well dressed and very reserved looking; someone you’d never expect to behave that way. He was so over the top, it was absolutely absurd and surreal, like a scene from a movie. As I was watching it, I thought… this is my music video… and I immediately had Fred in mind to play the main character. Starting with that basic premise, I embellished on it, and developed it into what you see.

While Fred has done a lot of incredible work, and given a lot of amazing performances, it was his role in an episode of the IFC series ‘Documentary Now’ called the Globesman, that would impress on me that he was the perfect person to play this character.

Fred and I ran into each other when I was in the process of mixing Ear Candy. I played him a rough mix of the song and told him the concept I had in mind. At the time I was considering shooting this as a live action music video. He dug it, and immediately agreed. When I later switched gears and decided to do the video fully animated, I still wanted Fred to star in the role. I explained and asked if he remained interested. He was, and the rest is history.”

—Are you able to tell us what Fred has said about the video after he saw it?

“Fred said that he loved the video and thought the song was great. I was thrilled. Fred was the first person to see it.”

—Can you give us a few sentences about the storyline of the video?

“A lost and lonely soul wanders through a world of faceless people and things, but the one constant dynamic he sees everywhere he goes are the vibrant ads for his favorite red licorice. He falls for the poster girl who appears in the ad campaign, thinking she’s beyond his reach, if not beyond reality… Until he wanders past the storefront window of a supermarket and spots her working the register inside. He sets out to win her over in his own, goofy, but charming way. All the while Osaka Popstar appears in animated form, popping up in the most unlikely of places, providing the soundtrack to the story—which features cameos from the Osaka Popstar Devil Dogs, the Kawaii Black Metal Trio, Sweetie Candy Vigilante and more, including homages to Saturday morning breakfast cereals, the Partridge Family, the Archies and the Monkees. The latter three bands all having a kinship with Osaka Popstar in that they reach beyond the confines of the average band, existing in a universe of their own, while simultaneously existing in ours.”

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For publicity inquiries or advance review requests, please contact:
SRO PR
Kelly Walsh – kwalsh@sropr.com

May 9, 2022

The Newly Reopened Palms Resort Seriously Impresses

Everyone needs a Decompression Day, and I took mine this past Saturday. Got in the car, turned up Roxy Music’s “Stranded” album + landed, just like that, at the newly reopened (4/28, after a two-year pandemic closure) Palms Casino Resort. It’s the first resort in Vegas now fully owned + operated by a Native American Tribe.

Soon after walking through the casino, I was poolside at the bar enjoying a specialty cocktail + the standout avocado toast, listening to a hot salsa band with warm desert breezes contributing to my lightness of being. It’s definitely a nice touch that the pool is available not only to guests, but to locals as well.

Add in the free parking + one of the most welcoming staffs I’ve seen at a Vegas hotel, and you know I’m rooting for this off-Strip property’s full-on comeback. Looking forward as well to the reopening (this summer, per the website) of its 2500-seat Pearl Concert Theater + the opening of the Shag Store art gallery, which will fittingly bring a little bit of “Palm” Springs to Vegas.

May 9, 2022

REDLIGHT KING Announce New Album Due This Fall via AFM RECORDS; Reveal Music Video for Debut Track “In Our Blood”

DT: MONDAY, MAY 9, 2022

FM: KELLY WALSH, SRO PR

REDLIGHT KING
SIGN TO AFM RECORDS;
ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR FALL ALBUM
‘IN OUR BLOOD’

REVEAL UPLIFTING MUSIC VIDEO FOR TITLE TRACK
“IN OUR BLOOD”

SINGLE OUT NOW; WATCH IT HERE

BAND TO APPEAR ON SEVERAL SUMMER ROCK FESTIVALS
(Welcome To Rockville, Blue Ridge Rock Festival, Louder Than Life)

A band playing on stage Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Canadian-American rock outfit REDLIGHT KING are excited to share news of their signing to German rock/metal label AFM RECORDS who will release the band’s fourth full-length album IN OUR BLOOD later this fall. The album was written and produced by frontman Mark “Kaz” Kasprzyk at his studio, The Wheelhouse, in Los Angeles, CA with long-time collaborator and guitarist Julian Tomarin, who also co-wrote a few tracks, and drummer Randy Cooke. REDLIGHT KING released its debut single, the uplifting anthemic title track “In Our Blood,” last Friday, May 6 across all digital platforms following the premiere of its energetic music video via Loudwire on May 5. Watch “In Our Blood” streaming below or here: https://bfan.link/in-our-blood.

Senior A&R Director of AFM Nils Wasko commented on the signing, “I am thrilled that REDLIGHT KING has chosen AFM. My team and I couldn’t be more excited to work with Kaz, Julian, Brian and Mark to delight people with their authentic music and leave a footprint on the world.”

“’In Our Blood’ is not about religion or politics or money,” explains Kaz about the new single. “It’s about heart. It’s about family. It’s about never giving up. The song was first imagined by our guitarist Julian, who laid down the riff and a killer melody in the hook. It continued to build with a vengeance, so we kicked it into high gear with a four on the floor beat and a traditional rock n’ roll approach to scoring the lyrics.”

Kaz continues, “For me, ‘In Our Blood’ captures the human spirit and gives a sense of hope that we can break through the generational cycles of classism set in place to divide us. When I sing the song I think of my family, I think about my grandfather fighting in WW2, the things they went through, the sacrifices they made and that my parents made as well. I think of my bandmates and the audience we play for. We are all trying to make the best of this journey. We all bleed the same color and we’re all in this together.”

REDLIGHT KING will make their way across the rock festival circuit with appearances at Welcome To Rockville (5/19-22) in Daytona Beach, FL, Blue Ridge Rock Festival (9/8-11) in Dansville, VA and Louder Than Life (9/23-26) in Louisville, KY along with additional dates to be announced in the coming weeks. The band have developed a worldwide fanbase since their formation in 2009, performing over 1,000 shows with some of the biggest names in rock and being seen on festival stages in North America, UK and Europe as well as late-night TV appearances on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

ABOUT REDLIGHT KING:

Formed in Hamilton, ON by Kaz, REDLIGHT KING made waves in 2011 with the release of their debut album SOMETHING FOR THE PAIN on Hollywood Records which included the #3 Billboard Mainstream Rock single “Bullet In My Hand” and a reimagined version of Neil Young’s “Old Man” of which Young approved the band to use a sample from his original song. Their second album, IRONS IN THE FIRE, followed in 2013 and featured the single “Born To Rise” which is heard in the end title credits for the Lionsgate sports drama blockbuster Draft Day. Additional music from the band has been featured in movies and tv shows such as The Avengers, Iron Man 3, The Italian Job, FOX’s ‘Malcolm In The Middle’ and CBS’ ‘Person of Interest’ in addition to being licensed across sports networks including ESPN, Nascar, NFL, CFL, NHL, NBA and MLB.

For their third album MOONSHINE, REDLIGHT KING went back to basics and recorded a very analog traditional rock sound with songwriter and producer Jimmy Messer (Foreigner, AWOLNATION) who released it on via his independent label, Parts & Labor Records.

A group of men on stairs Description automatically generated with low confidence lineup (l-r): Mark “Kaz” Kasprzyk, Brian Weaver, Julian Tomarin, Mark Goodwin
Credit: David Harris

Find REDLIGHT KING online at:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER
PR ASSETS: www.sropr.com/portfolio/redlight-king

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

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