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Nashville Singer-Songwriter MACKENZIE GRANT Debuts “All Of This” Lyric Video

DT: MARCH 10, 2022

FM: KELLY WALSH, MITCH SCHNEIDER/ SRO PR

 

MACKENZIE GRANT
DEBUTS LYRIC VIDEO FOR FOURTH SINGLE
“ALL OF THIS”
TAKEN FROM HER SOPHOMORE ALBUM
‘WONDER WORLD’

DUE MARCH 18
VIA BLACKBIRD RECORD LABEL
PRE-SAVE “ALL OF THIS HERE

Nashville-based singer, songwriter and musician MacKenzie Grant has shared a fourth track, “All of This,” from her from her upcoming March 18 album WONDER WORLD via Blackbird Record Label. The song “offers a message of authenticity and self-acceptance,” describes Cowgirl Magazine who premiered its lyric video yesterday, March 9. Watch the lyric video streaming below and pre-save “All Of This, which will be available digitally Friday, March 11,” HERE.

“This song is about owning your stuff and accepting where you may have fallen short with others and yourself,” divulges MacKenzie. “Becoming comfortable with the darker, less flattering aspects of myself helped me to cope with and have patience and compassion for the darkness we have been facing globally in terms of racial, economic, political, and environmental events. I think taking responsibility for our own mistakes or personal areas of deficit is the first step in building the empathy we need to create a more just, equitable, and compassionate world. If we can embrace the dark and the light in ourselves, maybe we can collectively face the darker places in our society with more empathy and hope. In order to grow and change, we can’t just own the wins, we have to own all of it.”

WONDER WORLD marks MacKenzie’s return to music after a 15-year hiatus during which time she worked as a school counselor in a high-poverty and high-trauma preschool. Her experiences during this time influenced her writing for the album, covering deeply personal themes such as self-reckoning, feminine empowerment and overcoming negative mindsets. A further sense of intimacy is heard across the album as she utilizes her classically trained musical background to provide keys and organ in addition to her compelling vocals. Additional accompaniment is provided by Josh Kaler on pedal steel guitar on various tracks.

MacKenzie has previously shared two original tracks–“Putting Down Some Things” premiered via Americana Highways and “Little Girl”—as well as a cover of Joni Mitchell’s timeless single “Borderline” which Americana UK praised stating, “Grant’s version of the song is beautiful; the exquisite melody is delivered in her clear, pure voice.” WONDER WORLD was further complimented by Music Connection, who reviewed the album in their March issue, for its “cache of touching and well-crafted tunes” while proclaiming that “the album is about truth telling and shedding personal conflict with hypnotic, compelling and dreamy sonic landscapes.”

Pre-save WONDER WORLD now at https://smithmusic.ffm.to/662582257922.

For more information on MacKenzie Grant, please visit:
WEBSITE | IG | FB | TWITTER

PR ASSETS: www.sropr.com/portfolio/mackenzie-grant

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


Hard Rock Group UNCURED Debut “We Are The Antidote” Amidst Headlining U.S. “Living Like I’m Dead” Tour

DT: MARCH 4, 2022

FM: KELLY WALSH, SRO PR

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UNCURED
SHARE NEW TRACK
“WE ARE THE ANTIDOTE”
FROM UPCOMING THIRD ALBUM
‘LIVING LIKE I’M DEAD’
DUE MARCH 18

LISTEN HERE

BAND CURRENTLY OUT ON HEADLINING U.S. TOUR
WITH VERSUS ME & MADAME MAYHEM
TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

Hard rock outfit UNCURED have shared a musically diverse new track today (March 4), “We Are The Antidote.” Taken from their forthcoming third full-length album LIVING LIKE I’M DEAD due March 18, the single moves seamlessly from trippy synths to hard rock grooves to metal breakdowns and can be heard streaming on Spotify HERE.

“‘We Are the Antidote’ is a song about emotional release and self-empowerment,” says vocalist/guitarist Rex Cox while, his brother Zak, who also shares vocal/guitar duties, chimes in stating, “the song was written in the depths of the 2020/21 COVID pandemic. It is a story of personal loneliness. Music and the connections that musicians make with their fans can be the ‘antidote’ to feelings of separation.”

UNCURED are currently out on a headlining U.S. tour in support of the new album with support from Wisconsin rockers Versus Me and NYC-based rock singer-songwriter Madame Mayhem. The tour kicked off in late February and wraps March 20 at Blind Tiger in Greensboro, NC. Tickets are available at www.uncuredband.com and full dates can be found below. Previously the band has performed over 200 shows in 14 countries and has appeared alongside acts including Judas Priest, Sabaton, All That Remains, Lacuna Coil, Cradle of Filth, Soulfly, Children of Bodom, DevilDriver, Whitechapel, Dying Fetus, Katatonia and Jamey Jasta.

Based out of New Jersey, UNCURED released their debut full-length album in March 2017, MEDUSA, which was heralded as one of the “10 Best Metal Albums of 2017” via AXS. It was followed by 2019’s EPIDEMIC—which MetalSucks praised for its “signature groovy riffs and hook-fueled solos” and Guitar World exalted as “technically dazzling.” During this time, the band also shared a cover of Slayer’s “Disciple” which garnered them the title of “2019 Cover of The Year” from Sirius XM Liquid Metal. With live events at a halt due to the 2020 global pandemic, UNCURED released a series of cover songs including those by Pantera, Sepultura, Beastie Boys and America on their 2020 EP, UNCOVERED.

‘Living Like I’m Dead’ Tour Dates:
3/5 – Minneapolis, MN @ Cabooze
3/6 – Des Moines, IA @ Lefty’s
3/7 – Kansas City, MO @ Vivo Live
3/8 – Wichita, KS @ The Wave
3/9 – Springfield, MO @ Outland Ballroom
3/10 – Tulsa, OK @ The Vanguard
3/11 – Katy, TX @ Wildcatter
3/12 – Lubbock, TX @ Jake’s
3/15 – Shreveport, LA @ Sand Bar
3/16 – Birmingham, AL @ Zydeco
3/18 – Huntsville, AL @ Sidetracks
3/19 – Johnson City, TN @ Capone’s
3/20 – Greensboro, NC @ Blind Tiger

Lineup [l-r]: Zak Cox, Rex Cox
Credit: Conclave Studios

Find UNCURED online at:
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | SPOTIFY

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For press inquiries and/or review ticket requests, please contact:
SRO PR
Kelly Walsh – kwalsh@sropr.com


New Zealand Alternative Rock Trio CAPITAL THEATRE Share Provocative Video for “Delicately Poised”

DT: MARCH 1, 2022

FM: KELLY WALSH, MITCH SCHNEIDER, LYNDIE WENNER / SRO PR

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NEW ZEALAND ALTERNATIVE/ROCK TRIO
CAPITAL THEATRE
EXPLORE IDENTITIES IN MUSIC VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE
“DELICATELY POISED”
OUT TODAY, MARCH 1
LISTEN HERE

TAKEN FROM DEBUT ALBUM
‘A HERO’S JOURNEY’
DUE OUT JUNE 24

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

BAND SHARE NEW Q&A

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Pictured, from left: Paul Reid (drums, vocals), Adam Stevenson (vocals, piano, guitar), Roy Oliver (guitar, vocals); Credit: Robert M. Knight

New Zealand alternative rock trio CAPITAL THEATRE showcase a melodic and edgy guitar/keyboard-driven sound on their debut full-length album A HERO’S JOURNEY out June 24. It was recorded with Grammy Award-winning legendary producer Mike Clink (Guns N’ Roses, Steve Vai) at NRG Studios in Los Angeles, CA (along with some guitar recordings being completed at Slash’s Snakepit Studio) and lyrically takes inspiration from Joseph Campbell’s’ book The Hero With A Thousand Faces.

The band has shared a provocative music video for its latest single, “Delicately Poised,” underlining the track’s exploration of the human identity. Filmed at an adult entertainment club in Barcelona and with live footage taken in New Zealand, the video highlights authenticity and diversity. CAPITAL THEATRE co-directed the video with Julie Gomez of Kalapa Studios and also by Alex Hargreaves who shot the NZ-based content of the band’s performance.  Watch it streaming here, followed by an in-depth Q&A with the band. “Delicately Poised is available today, March 1, across all digital platforms.

From song to song, A HERO’S JOURNEY delivers unbridled energy drawn from guitarist Roy Oliver’s electrifying solos and sequences, drummer Paul Reid’s furiously pounding rhythms and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Adam Stevenson’s graceful and soul stirring piano work. The realm of their sound is further expanded with cinematic string arrangements completed by guest composer David Campbell (The Rolling Stones, U2, Beck) to add to its multi-dimensional otherworldly perception. Its 10 tracks reveal the undeniable chemistry they’ve honed through years of playing local pubs back home in Auckland, with A-list guest musicians including Jane’s Addiction bassist Chris Chaney and Bon Jovi lead guitarist Phil X.

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A HERO’S JOURNEY Track Listing
1. Fait Accompli
2. People
3. Second Skin
4. Long Way To Fall
5. Fire
6. Delicately Poised
7. Force To Fight
8. Time
9. Better Than This
10. Save A Stranger

Q&A on “Delicately Poised”
with CAPITAL THEATRE’S Adam Stevenson

The lyrics to the chorus—”It’s delicately poised/For the girls and the boys/To find their voice/And shut down the noise”—perfectly frame the song and the video. Is there a social message shared in this video you most want people to walk away thinking about?

ADAM STEVENSON: “Given the band wrote the album in the sequence of a hero’s journey archetype, ‘Delicately Poised’ sits at number six on the album, just before ‘Force To Fight,’ the crescendo battle song. When looking at the moment just before the battle, the experience that the hero undergoes is usually one of delving into the innermost cave, some kind of serious soul-searching and ultimately building up whatever gumption and resources required to fight the ensuing fight and seize the reward. So, what you have in the song ‘Delicately Poised’ is some very personal and intimate disclosures in the verse before it opens up to a much more universal chorus line. To me the chorus line can be interpreted a few ways, but what we were very aware of is that the use of the pronouns ‘girls and boys’ gave us almost ammunition and a conviction to celebrate and delve into gender identity and identity itself with the music video. We would expect viewers of this video and song to just feel and understand that uniqueness is cool and diversity should be embraced and celebrated.”

The title of “Delicately Poised” suggests something exquisite in character and delicate to the senses (smell, taste and color). How did the visual concept and character actors come about?

STEVENSON: “Because the song delves into themes of identity on the whole, we wanted to find an authentic space with authentic characters to be themselves within our music video. The characters in the video were all briefed to simply come as they are, or how they would normally make themselves up for their own art or performances. Each character is an artist, dancer or performer in their own right, so the team in Barcelona did a great job at finding these authentic beings and letting them celebrate their identity without any interruption or direction from us.

Due to New Zealand being in lockdown, we also needed to work globally to ensure we could shoot in locations that could film freely and in close proximity.”

Who directed the video, and how close was the director’s vision for this video compared to Capital Theatre’s vision?

STEVENSON: “The video was co-directed by Capital Theatre along with Bruno Amaral Pereira and Julie Gomez of Kalapa Studios and also by Alex Hargreaves who shot the NZ-based content of the band’s performance. There were many Zoom calls between us all to coordinate how these two worlds were going to come together, it was a real collaboration. From a relatively specific brief and mood board created by Capital Theatre, it was a real score for the band to land on this concept with the team at Kalapa Studios in Barcelona. They picked up our brief and took it to a really authentic place which is exactly what we were after. The band’s original brief needed to be tweaked given the separation between us in NZ and the shoot in Barcelona, so the idea of placing the band in the TV was chosen. From there, the narrative and dynamics of how these two worlds were to interact were mulled over at length, but the overall relationship is one where the characters in Barcelona are somewhat ritualistically entranced by the Capital Theatre ‘Delicately Poised’ act on an old TV set. Likewise, the Capital Theatre performance, which begins in black and white, is then affected by the ritual and we see a manicness evolve as the clown switches into colour and the TV set comes to life, as if the two worlds clearly have some influence over each other.”

–Is the club in the video a real place in Barcelona? If so, why was that location chosen and tell us a bit about the vibe of the club and how you heard about it?

STEVENSON: “When we landed on this concept, the location of Bagdad was the first suggestion from Kalapa Studio, and it was beyond perfect. Bagdad is a real underground adult entertainment club that has been putting on live sex shows for over 40 years. Again, this authenticity of using a space that has been involved in sexual liberation since 1975, was a key part in creating a video that is true in all aspects.”

–The cinematography in this video is excellent including the colors characters’ comfortable expressions along with their interaction. What was behind the decision to put Adam solo in the TV and in black & white?

STEVENSON: “We wanted to explore the identity of the clown further, having now used him in various videos and photoshoots. Given the songs exploration of identity we wanted to show a step-change or deterioration of the clown itself. So, the first part of the video shows the clown as composed and somewhat demure and classic, but by the end of the video he is frantic, makeup running and he is desperately clawing at the TV screen almost trying to breakthrough to the world of Bagdad through the TV screen. Within the Bagdad club we see the cast of characters inhabiting their own identities in a very comfortable and known way, as if this ritual is familiar to them and more importantly that they are bold and confident in themselves.”

–What excites and inspires the band most when viewing this video?

STEVENSON: “To us this song has an energy about it, beyond the lyrics and chord structures, there’s simply an energy that deserved a world to be made for it. So from our position of being locked down in New Zealand, we set about finding that world, and to see it come to life in this video with such exquisite characters and cinematography is a real pleasure for us. It has shown us that reaching out globally and finding other creative professionals to collaborate with is a really effective approach and ultimately has provided this song with a very authentic piece of content.”

For more information on CAPITAL THEATRE, please visit:
WEBSITE | FB | IG

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


Hard Rock Outfit COLD KINGDOM Release New Single “Criminal” Feat. Danny Case (From Ashes To New)

DT: FEBRUARY 28, 2022

FM: KELLY WALSH, SRO PR

HARD ROCK GROUP
COLD KINGDOM
RELEASE CRUSHING NEW SINGLE
“CRIMINAL” FEATURING DANNY CASE (FROM ASHES TO NEW)

MINNEAPOLIS BAND ANNOUNCE THIRD ALBUM
DUE IN SUMMER VIA ONERPM

Minneapolis-based hard rock outfit COLD KINGDOM have announced plans to release their as yet untitled third studio album this summer via oneRPM. The band previewed the album’s crushing debut single, “Criminal,” featuring guest vocals from Danny Case of From Ashes To New—which Outburn Magazine have lauded as “a lethal combination of fury and sentiment”—on Friday, February 25 across all streaming platforms. Stream it now HERE.

The quartet have shared a gripping music video for the track which can be seen streaming below or on YouTube HERE.

“It was really awesome to collaborate with Danny on ‘Criminal,’” stated COLD KINGDOM vocalist Elissa-Marie Ogaard. “His voice added an edge to the song that we were excited to hear. I think that he not only complemented my vocals, but also added a contrast that brought the song to a whole different level. We can’t wait to release it into the world.”

From Ashes To New vocalist Danny Case adds, “It was a pleasure working with Cold Kingdom. ‘Criminal’ is a powerful song with a soaring chorus that really keeps your attention from start to finish.”

“The pandemic really screwed a lot of things up for us, but it also gave us a lot of time to write,” relays COLD KINGDOM drummer Chris Morely. “‘Criminal’ was one of the first songs we wrote and recorded during the lockdown, and I believe it’s one of our strongest songs to date. The lockdown made us angry, annoyed, distraught, and we had so many other negative feelings. We just channeled all that into our writing and ended up with an album’s worth of material.”

 

COLD KINGDOM were formed in Minneapolis in 2014 and released their first full-length album The Moon and The Fool in 2015. It was followed by a self-titled EP produced by Shinedown’s Eric Bass in 2017 and a second full-length record Into The Black Sky in 2019. When they aren’t writing or recording, the band has brought their energy-filled shows across the U.S. supporting genre leading acts such as Shinedown, Chevelle, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Saving Abel, Puddle of Mudd and Nonpoint. They have also appeared on festival stages including Northern Invasion, RockFest, Summerfest, Moondance Jam and Halfway Jam.

COLD KINGDOM will next be seen live at a headlining show in Omaha, NE at Waiting Room Lounge on March 26 with further dates to be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information on COLD KINGDOM, please visit:
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY

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

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Lineup (l-r): Evan Ogaard (Guitar), Elissa-Marie Ogaard (Vocals), Jason Michael (Bass), Chris Morley (Drums)
Credit: Brad Gunnarson

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

 


California Country Artist JD HARDY Releases New Video For “Let Her Run” From His Current Debut Album ‘Killer’

DATE: FEBRUARY 25, 2022

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN

CALIFORNIA COUNTRY ARTIST
JD HARDY
RELEASES NEW VIDEO FOR “LET HER RUN”
FROM HIS CURRENT DEBUT ALBUM ‘KILLER’
WATCH IT HERE

READ Q&A BELOW ABOUT THE STIRRING SONG AND VIDEO

JD HardyPhoto credit: Simon Mercado Photography

California country artist JD HARDY has just released “Let Her Run,” the latest single and video from his current debut album KILLER. Watch it here.

The stirring clip by the Bakersfield born-and-raised singer, songwriter and guitarist was premiered yesterday at SOUNDS LIKE NASHVILLE whose Vernell Hackett said: It takes a brave man to write a song so close to his heart, one about breaking up with the girl he loves. It takes an even braver man to film the video for the song on the place where it all happened. JD Hardy did exactly that.”

Anchored by the song’s strong viewpoint (“…a woman with her mind made up does in fact have all the power,” says JD), the video was beautifully shot by director Alisa Daglio at multiple locations throughout the central coast of California and underlines the song’s compelling themes of love, trust and freedom. It features JD Hardy and actress Monique Guilfoyle.

JD Hardy grew up amidst the oil rigs, farms, and West Coast honky-tonks that once inspired hometown heroes like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard to create their own form of country music. For JD, the so-called “Bakersfield sound”–a mix of West Coast twang, electric guitars, and rock & roll spirit–always sounded like home.

KILLER, his newest collection of muscular, modern country anthems, finds JD firmly planting his flag in the present without forgetting his roots. It was produced by Dean Miller (son of country great Roger Miller) and features nine self-written songs, plus a distinctive cover of Simple Minds’ “Don’t You Forget About Me.” These are country songs for the present-day California: a soundtrack for Friday night barrooms, boot-scuffed dance floors, highway drives, and unbroken horizons, all performed by a deep-voiced Californian who isn’t afraid to blur the lines between genres. Confidently moving between blue-collar heartland rock songs, slow-burning ballads, and rootsy rave-ups, KILLER positions JD Hardy as Bakersfield’s newest rule-breaker.

Q&A WITH JD HARDY

–What inspired you to write “Let Her Run”?

A: I’m dating a gal who has trust issues based on a past traumatic relationship that seemed to bleed on me so to speak. As a real cowboy, I used the analogy that when a green broke horse starts to buck, you run them as long and hard as they want and typically you’ll have their attention and gained some more trust.

–The song seems a very modern take on the “If You Love Someone, Set Them Free. If They Come Back They’re Yours” quote.  Was that your intention?

A: Wasn’t my intention; however, I get the connection and it really is just that.

–The song, and especially the video, seem to give the woman in the relationship the power.  Was that the intention?

A: Yes, because a woman with her mind made up does in fact have all the power.

–What are you hoping that people can take away from the song after they hear it?

A: To control what they can and let go of what they can’t and in that process try to accept that fact and enjoy what they can control.

–What are all the locations of the video? Do these locations have significance for you?

A: Locations are variously spread throughout the central coast of California where Scootch (Melodie, my GF) and I went and enjoyed.

–Who is the gal in the video? Is she an actress?

A: Monique Guilfoyle, she is an actress I know who played the role of Scootch.

–The video shows the development and intimacy of a relationship and the possibility of someone walking away.  In the video, the two end up together, whereas the song is more open ended.  Did you deliberately set out for the video to have a happy ending for the couple?

A: That was more of the director’s idea and kind of the direction the plot went; however, when I wrote it, I had no idea if she’d come back.

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FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

SRO CONTACTS:

Mitch Schneider, mschneider@sropr.com
Marcee Rondan, marcee@sropr.com

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Nashville Singer-Songwriter MACKENZIE GRANT Debuts Intimate New Track & Video for “Little Girl”

DT: FEBRUARY 24, 2022

FM: KELLY WALSH, MITCH SCHNEIDER/ SRO PR

NASHVILLE-BASED SINGER/SONGWRITER/PIANIST
MACKENZIE GRANT
DEBUTS INTIMATE NEW SINGLE/MUSIC VIDEO
“LITTLE GIRL”
IN ADVANCE OF FEBRUARY 25 RELEASE

SOPHOMORE ALBUM
‘WONDER WORLD’
DUE MARCH 18
VIA BLACKBIRD RECORD LABEL
PRE-SAVE “LITTLE GIRL” VIDEO HERE

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“A little too tall
A little too thin
A little too scared to look within
Well, I don’t blame you”
MacKenzie Grant, “Little Girl”

“I wrote this song as a message to my younger self,” says Nashville-based singer, songwriter and musician MacKenzie Grant about “Little Girl,” the third single from her upcoming album WONDER WORLD due out March 18.Ahead of the track’s release this Friday, February 25 (pre-save it here), MacKenzie has today (2/24) premiered the intimate music video for “Little Girl” via YouTube HERE. It was filmed at her home and the beautiful Ellington Agriculture Center in Nashville, by her 13-year-old son Bram who co-directed it with her. Read a Q&A with MacKenzie on “Little Girl” and its music video below.

After taking a 15-year hiatus from the music industry–during which time MacKenzie worked as a school counselor in a high-poverty and high-trauma preschool–she has returned with her transformative sophomore effort WONDER WORLD via BlackBird Record Label. Produced and engineered by Phil Dubnick, the self-penned album highlights MACKENZIE’s classically trained background featuring her on vocals and piano while featuring accompaniment from Josh Kaler on pedal steel guitar on various tracks. Its lyrics stem from her experience working as a counselor covering deep themes such as self-reckoning, feminine empowerment and overcoming negative mindsets.

MacKenzie debuted the album’s first single “Putting Down Some Things” in January via Americana Highways which wrote: “Grant’s songwriting is informed by witnessing a wave of these elements of the human experience, and the gentle easiness of her vocals helps to soothe the soul.” This was followed by her sharing a cover of Joni Mitchell’s timeless single “Borderline” earlier this month which Americana UK praised stating, “Grant’s version of the song is beautiful; the exquisite melody is delivered in her clear, pure voice.” Elsewhere, in an album review in the March issue of Music Connection, Eric Harabedian praises the “cache of touching and well-crafted tunes. The album is about truth telling and shedding personal conflict (‘Memo To My Sister’ and ‘Little Girl’) with hypnotic, compelling and dreamy sonic landscapes. ‘Turn the Other Way’ explores the end of a relationship, with a rhythmically dense and jazzy lilt. ‘Coffee and Wine’ and the uplifting ‘Putting Down Some Things’ are emotionally charged and lyrically astute.”

Pre-save WONDER WORLD in advance of its March 18 release here:
https://smithmusic.ffm.to/662582257922

Credit: Bram Fairhead

MacKenzie Grant Q&A

There is a looming undertone to the lyrics that alludes to overcoming trauma or abuse with lines such as “You know that nothing bad lasts for very long” and “Cause the darkness is so deep, And so killing, And the devil takes your hand, And you go willing, And he f*cked up so bad, That you are coming undone.” Can you elaborate on the intention behind these lyrics?

MacKenzie: “I wrote this song as a message to my younger self. When I became a parent, I was able to see myself as a child with more compassion. I experienced abuse throughout my childhood that I internalized as me being deserving of, that it was happening because I was inherently not any good. As a parent, I was able to see through having my own children that no child is deserving of those circumstances. But most children take responsibility and ultimately blame themselves.”

Throughout the song you are speaking to “Little Girl” and trying to portray wisdom for the future. The lyrics repeat the question “what are you running from?”. If the ‘little girl’ could respond, what do you think she would say?

MacKenzie: “I actually started running at a young age. I would leave my house and just run for a while. At the time it was to get away from what was happening and to feel like I had some power to escape for a while. So, I started physically running to get away from emotional pain pretty early on. But then as an adult, I was running psychologically from pain for years. I left relationships, friendships, etc. when I felt my past pain catching up with me. I felt so responsible for my abuse that I would end things or walk away because I ultimately didn’t believe I was deserving of them.”

How do you feel this song will resonate with those that suffered trauma in their childhood?

MacKenzie: “There is a loneliness and isolation to abuse. When you are experiencing it, there is shame around being the abused. Most people blame themselves and don’t reach out for help because they are embarrassed that it’s even happening. Understanding the difficulty and stigma around being open about what survivors experience, often times hidden from everyone else, is really important. Many of us have had to keep secrets and hold on to that responsibility when we never should have. Letting others know that you can get to the other side of it, understand more clearly what happened, and forgive yourself for how that abuse has affected your life and your choices is something I wanted to share with others. I think it helps to connect people experiencing that isolation that comes from childhood abuse.”

Noting your past experience as a grief counselor working with children in high poverty & trauma areas, can you share how that may have influenced or inspired this song?

MacKenzie: “I have always felt a strong connection to the most vulnerable people in our society, children being at the top of that list. I was a child with a lot of privilege who experienced a lot of trauma. The children I worked with had in many ways so many more obstacles and disadvantages that I often didn’t see my experience as even in the same ballpark. But trauma is trauma. It was really in working with these kids that I started to see my experiences as just as valid and needing of processing as theirs.”

Where was the video filmed and who directed it?

MacKenzie:“The outdoor shots were filmed at the Ellington Agriculture Center in Nashville, close to where I live. My son, Bram, who was 13 at the time, did the filming and co-directed it with me.”

Why do you feel the footage of you walking in this rural location illuminates the song’s emotional heart?

MacKenzie: “The landscape of the park was perfect in that with it being winter, the trees almost look like skeletons. It is a very quiet, contemplative, and healing place. That experience of being in such a raw, beautiful, isolated and stripped-down place is much like the emotional experience of living with and honoring the experience of abuse.”

For more information on MacKenzie Grant, please visit:
WEBSITE | IG | FB | TWITTER

PR ASSETS: www.sropr.com/portfolio/mackenzie-grant

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


ALDO NOVA Today (February 22) Releases “Burn Like The Sun” Single And Performance Video For The Latest Track From His Rock Opera EP ‘The Life And Times Of Eddie Gage’

DATE: FEBRUARY 22, 2022

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN

A person playing a guitar

Description automatically generated with medium confidencePhoto credit: James St. Laurent

ALDO NOVA
TODAY (FEBRUARY 22) RELEASES “BURN LIKE THE SUN”
SINGLE AND PERFORMANCE VIDEO FOR THE LATEST TRACK
FROM HIS ROCK OPERA EP
‘THE LIFE AND TIMES OF EDDIE GAGE’
SET FOR RELEASE APRIL 1
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

FROM THE MULTI-PLATINUM GRAMMY® AWARD-WINNING SINGER, SONGWRITER, PRODUCER, GUITARIST,
AND MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST

Multi-platinum GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist ALDO NOVA has today (February 22) released a performance video for “Burn Like The Sun,” the latest single from his forthcoming 10-song EP titled THE LIFE AND TIMES OF EDDIE GAGE. Watch the video here and listen to the single here.

Set for release on April 1, the songs on THE LIFE AND TIMES OF EDDIE GAGE mark the first chapter of his larger-than-life rock opera. The iconic Montreal maverick will subsequently release the triple disc ALDO NOVA 2.0 RELOADED on April 19. It will feature 2.0 versions of nine classic songs from ALDO’s catalog, plus another disc with no lead vocal track and a third disc with no lead guitar track so fans can either sing along or play along with him.

Of “Burn Like The Sun,” ALDO, who’s spent more than four decades in music with dozens of classic songs and hundreds of shows, says: “The song describes Eddie’s life’s ups and downs and rebirth. In the opera, ‘Burn Like the Sun’ is the last song that Eddie sings and it sums up his life perfectly with everything coming full circle because it was the only song he had ever written that wasn’t owned by any publishing company or record company, so it’s fitting that the beginning becomes the same song that makes him reborn. ‘Burn Like the Sun’ describes Eddie’s long journey.”

Elaborates ALDO: “In the second verse he says, ‘Life, is given to you, with each step that you take there’s a chance you could win or lose, and love, yeah love’s been untrue, almost took the last beat of my heart but then there was you.’ When he says ‘you,’ he could be talking about a woman, or in his case, it has a more spiritual meaning since in the previous song, ‘Say a Little Prayer,’ he rediscovers his faith which gives him the strength to go on. He then literally ‘Burns Like the Sun’ when he performs this song as his last song in his concert.”

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF EDDIE GAGE rock opera tells the story of Eddie Gage, a prodigious ingénue who breaks into the music industry only to be preyed upon by a nefarious suit Andy Christos, manipulated by a corporate overlord M.F. Stophalis, and tempted by a succubus Rati Ayida. Drugs, alcohol, and excess plunge him into despair until he realizes redemption on his own terms.

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The musical journey of THE LIFE AND TIMES OF EDDIE GAGE began in 2008, when ALDO started to assemble what would become 25 songs (which ALDO will eventually release). Throughout the work, ALDO distills his often-unbelievable musical journey into the allegory of the rock opera, which he wrote, produced, arranged, engineered, and mixed entirely. The recording includes a 40-piece orchestra, a full gospel choir, Lee Levin on drums and mastering from the legendary Bob Ludwig. In addition, a one song bonus disc will accompany the collection with the soaring instrumental song “Les Anges.”

Following the release of THE LIFE AND TIMES OF EDDIE GAGE, ALDO will turn the page on the next chapter of this story with the three-disc ALDO NOVA 2.0 RELOADED. The three-disc recording features nine classics from his catalog new recordings–not only as the 2.0 versions of the songs, but also as alternate versions with no lead vocal track and another with no lead guitar track so fans can finally either sing along or play with him.

Track listing for THE LIFE AND TIMES OF EDDIE GAGE:

  1. Hey Ladi Dadi
  2. Free Your Mind
  3. Follow The Road
  4. King Of Deceit
  5. The Bitch In Black
  6. On The Way To The Psycho Ward
  7. When All Is Said And Done
  8. Say A Little Prayer
  9. Burn Like The Sun
  10. Bonus Track: Les Anges–Composed, Arranged and Performed by Aldo Nova

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Track listing for ALDO NOVA 2.0 RELOADED:

Disc One

  1. Blood On The Bricks 2.0 – Reloaded
  2. Monkey On Your Back 2.0 – Reloaded
  3. Under The Gun – War Suite 2.0 – Reloaded
  4. Foolin’ Yourself 2.0 – Reloaded
  5. Ball And Chain 2.0 Reloaded
  6. Paradise 2.0 – Reloaded
  7. Modern World 2.0 – Reloaded
  8. Fantasy 2.0 – Reloaded
  9. I’m A Survivor 2.0 – Reloaded

Disc Two

  1. Blood On The Bricks 2.0 Reloaded No Ld Vocal
  2. Monkey On Your Back 2.0 Reloaded No Ld Vocal
  3. Under The Gun – War Suite 2.0 Reloaded No Ld Vocal
  4. Foolin’ Yourself 2.0 Reloaded No Ld Vocal
  5. Ball And Chain 2.0 Reloaded – No Ld Vocal
  6. Modern World 2.0 Reloaded No Ld Vocal
  7. Fantasy 2.0 Reloaded No Ld Vocal
  8. I’m A Survivor 2.0 Reloaded No Ld Vocal

Disc Three

  1. Blood On The Bricks 2.0 Reloaded – No Ld Guitar
  2. Monkey On Your Back 2.0 Reloaded No Ld Guitar
  3. Under The Gun – War Suite 2.0 Reloaded No Ld Guitar
  4. Foolin’ Yourself 2.0 Reloaded No Ld Guitar
  5. Ball And Chain 2.0 Reloaded – No Ld Guitar
  6. Paradise 2.0 Reloaded No Ld Guitar
  7. Modern World 2.0 Reloaded No Ld Guitar
  8. Fantasy 2.0 Reloaded No Ld Guitar
  9. I’m A Survivor 2.0 Reloaded No Ld Guitar

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About ALDO NOVA:

Born Aldo Caporuscio, he opened this channel forty years ago with his 1982 double-platinum top ten self-titled debut, Aldo Nova, and its definitive Hot 100 smash single “Fantasy.” On the heels of the platinum-selling Subject…Aldo Nova and Twitch, he emerged as a trusted collaborator for some of the biggest stars in the world. He co-wrote the
song “Mr. Big Time” for the soundtrack of the movie, “Armageddon,” and worked closely with Jon on his soundtrack album for the film, “Young Guns 2,” writing the signature riff from Jon Bon Jovi’s “Blaze of Glory.” Bon Jovi returned the favor by collaborating on ALDO’s 1991 Blood on the Bricks. Working closely with Céline Dion, he penned “A New Day Has Come,” “Your Light,” “I Can’t Fight the Feeling,” and “You and I,” even garnered a GRAMMY® Award in the category of Album of the Yearfor co-writing and producing 3 songs from her diamond-selling album Falling Into You. Not to mention, his discography also includes writing songs for everyone from Faith Hill, Carole King, and Clay Aiken to Garou and Blue Öyster Cult.

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PROGJECT “The Ultimate Prog Rock Experience” Announce American Tour This April

 

DATE: FEBRUARY 16, 2022

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/ANDREA FAULK, SRO PR

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PROGJECT
“THE ULTIMATE PROG ROCK EXPERIENCE”
ANNOUNCE AMERICAN TOUR THIS APRIL
LEADING INTO THEIR MAY 1 HEADLINING PERFORMANCE
AS PART OF “CRUISE TO THE EDGE”
THE BAND’S ITINERARY WILL INCLUDE A TWO-NIGHT STAND
AT IRIDIUM IN NYC ON APRIL 19 & 20

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Fans of Prog Rock can rejoice in the news that the newly formed ProgJect will tour America, bringing “The Ultimate Prog Rock Experience” to venues this April and leading into their May 1 on-land headlining performance as part of “Cruise To The Edge” (which sets sail the next day). The band features Michael Sadler, Jonathan Mover, Mike Keneally, Ryo Okumoto and Matt Dorsey, performing the classics and epics of Genesis, Yes, King Crimson and ELP, along with some Pink Floyd, Rush, Jethro Tull, Peter Gabriel, Gentle Giant and more. The tour will include a two-night stand at Iridium in NYC on April 19 & 20 (see the itinerary below).

ProgJect is:

MICHAEL SADLER (SAGA)
Lead Vocals

JONATHAN MOVER (GTR, Alice Cooper, Joe Satriani, The Tubes)
Drums, Percussion, Vocals

MIKE KENEALLY (Frank Zappa, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani)
Guitar, Vocals

RYO OKUMOTO (Spock’s Beard, Asia, Chris Squire)
Keyboards

MATT DORSEY (Sound of Contact, Beth Hart)
Bass, Pedals, Guitar, Keys, Vocals

Look for ProgJect to perform a two-plus hour set of Prog classics and epics such as “Cinema Show,” “Firth of Fifth,” “Squonk,” “Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression–Pt. I & II,” “Siberian Khatru,” “Roundabout,” “Heart of the Sunrise,” “21st Century Schizoid Man,” “Lark’s Tongues In Aspic, Pt. I & II”, “Xanadu,” “La Villa Strangiato,” “Have A Cigar,” “Wish You Were Here,” “Solsbury Hill” and “Living In The Past,” to name only a few.

ProgJect–the brainchild of drummer Jonathan Mover–came to fruition out of his childhood dream of playing Prog. “Prog Rock is the reason I play drums,” Mover explains, “but by the time I turned pro, Prog in the classic sense was over. And, although I got to work with some Prog-associated artists, such as GTR (with Steve Hackett and Steve Howe), and Marillion, my career took a decidedly different, though incredibly fortunate path, working with artists such as Alice Cooper, Joe Satriani, Aretha Franklin, The Tubes, Shakira, and others. That being said, I never lost my desire to play the Prog I grew up listening to.”

He adds: “The idea and inspiration came in 2019 from my getting a last-minute rescue call to play with the Genesis tribute band, The Musical Box. That not only relit that childhood fire and desire, but made me realize: if there’s an audience for Genesis, and an audience for Yes, and Pink Floyd, and ELP, and King Crimson…there’s an audience for all of them. So, why not play them all, since I love them all, and assemble a team of extraordinary musicians that feel the same as I do? And they, like me, wanted to play a variety of Prog from all our favorite bands, and therefore thought more of the concept of an ‘homage band’, instead of a tribute band.”

Mover says that “the chemistry and dynamics of ProgJect are amazing” and “we’re all very excited and literally counting the days to hit the road. Not only because of the delays imposed by Covid (we were supposed to tour over a year ago), but also because we love playing this music so much and know how much prog fans love it too; we can’t wait to perform it for them. And of course, as much fun as it is in the rehearsal room, it will be infinitely more fun in front of an audience.”

What is the enduring appeal of Prog? “It’s music that you really listen to, and in some ways, live in,” says Mover. “It’s not just something to play in the background. When you’re into Prog, you’re not only really into listening, but often times, attached to it as well. It’s the same for seeing it played live. It’s more than just a music performance–it’s an experience.”

The tour dates for ProgJect—”The Ultimate Prog Rock Experience”—are as follows, with more to be announced soon:

April 1, 2022 Los Angeles, CA Champion Site+Sound
April 6, 2022 Edwardsville, IL The Wildey Theatre
April 7, 2022 Milwaukee, WI Shank Hall
April 8, 2022 Chicago, IL Des Plaines Theatre
April 9, 2022 Indianapolis, IN The Irving Theater
April 10, 2022 Cincinnati, OH The Ludlow Garage
April 12, 2022 Kent, OH Kent Stage
April 13, 2022 Buffalo, NY Showplace Theatre
April 15, 2022 Derry, NH The Tupelo Music Hall
April 17, 2022 Sellersville, PA Sellersville Theater
April 19, 2022 New York, NY The Iridium
April 20, 2022 New York, NY The Iridium
April 21, 2022 Newton, NJ Newton Theater
April 22, 2022 Norwalk, CT The Wall St. Theater
April 23, 2022 Vineland, NJ The Landis Theater
April 26, 2022 Annapolis, MD Rams Head On Stage
April 29, 2022 Boca Raton, FL The Funky Biscuit
April 30, 2022 Tampa, FL Central Park PAC
May 1, 2022 Cape Canaveral, FL Cruise To The Edge Pre-Cruise Event

www.ProgJect.com

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

For press inquiries regarding PROGJECT, contact:

SRO PR:
Mitch Schneider, National Press // mschneider@sropr.com
Andrea Faulk, Tour Press // afaulk@sropr.com

 


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