Kelly Walsh, Author at SRO PR

August 14, 2023

Thai-American Hip-Hop Pioneer DABOYWAY Announces US “Ways World” Tour Dates 8/16-27; New Single Due 8/25 In Collaboration with Dominican Republic Artist Mark B

DT: AUGUST 14, 2023

FM: KELLY WALSH, SRO PR

DABOYWAY
—RAPPER / ACTOR & CO-FOUNDER OF CHART-TOPPING HIP HOP GROUP THAITANIUM—
ANNOUNCES U.S. LEG OF “WAYS WORLD TOUR”
AUGUST 16 – 27
SURROUNDING UPCOMING AUGUST 25 SINGLE
“POGO”
IN COLLABORATION WITH DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ARTIST
MARK B.

MUSIC VIDEO FOR RECENT SINGLE
“CAKE DIET,”
FIRST NEW SINGLE SINCE 2020,
HITS OVER 3.5 MILLION YOUTUBE VIEWS & 80 MILLION TIKTOK VIEWS

WATCH HERE

DABOYWAY
Credit: Thanisorn Thitikhunrat

DABOYWAY—the Thai-American hip-hop pioneer, co-founder of the chart-topping #1 group Thaitanium and actor—has announced a run of headlining shows across the U.S. later this month as part of his “Ways World Tour.” The tour will take place from August 16, launching in Fort Lauderdale, FL, until August 27 ending in New York City surrounding his upcoming Dembow-oriented single “Pogo”—a collaborative release with Dominican Republic artist Mark B. Tour dates are listed below; tickets are on sale HERE. “Pogo” was produced by Latin Grammy Award-winners Ricky Luna, Max Gallo, Alcover and JB1 and is scheduled for digital release on Friday, August 25 along with a new music video filmed in both Santo Domingo, DR and Bangok, TH. Stay tuned for more details.

“Pogo” follows the success of DABOYWAY’s recent single “Cake Diet”—the first new music since his 2020 self-titled debut solo album. Produced by Luna and Gallo, “Cake Diet” was released via Def Jam Thailand last October. Its music video—generating over 3.5 million views and described by NME as “a carnival fever dream”— is an 8-minute short film featuring Miss Grand Thailand 2022, Engfa Waraha, with DABOYWAY helming the creative direction. The “Cake Diet” track also sparked a TikTok challenge which has garnered over 92 million views. DABOYWAY performed a riveting live version of “Cake Diet” on Grammy.com’s “Press Play” series earlier this year; watch it HERE. Stream the “Cake Diet” music video below or via YouTube HERE.

DABOYWAY is currently working on a new solo album that blends hip-hop and international club music. He unveiled the first taste of it with his April-released single “BAKA” (feat. Japanese EDM YouTube phenomenon Repezen Foxx, once again produced by Luna). Listen now and watch the music video at https://lnk.to/0405_BAKAly. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more new music and news on his upcoming release.

DABOYWAY has been an integral force of Thai hip-hop culture since its birth. He co-founded the # 1 Thai-American hip-hop group Thaitanium who’ve released multiple chart-topping albums over their 23-year career and garnered global success having performed shows across the world for popular artists including Jay-Z, Nas, Snoop Dogg, Rihanna, Flo-Rida, and 50 Cent. In 2020 he became the Head of Def Jam Thailand, where he worked on developing and mentoring emerging international artists.

In addition to music, DABOYWAY has been acting in films regularly since his 1998 debut 303 Fear Faith Revenge. He also founded the massively successful Never Say Cutz barber shop chain; it has expanded into their own brand, NVSC Supply Co., with hair products, apparel, and more. The chain currently has 24 stores and counting, becoming a street-cultural hub.

DABOYWAY TOUR DATES
8/16 Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Kubo Asian Fusion & Bar
8/17 Maplewood, MN – Unison
8/23 Los Angeles, CA – The Mayan
8/24 Mclean, VA – Tysons TSR
8/27 New York, NY – The Cutting Room

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DABOYWAY
Credit: Thanisorn Thitikhunrat

Find DABOYWAY online at:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

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

August 11, 2023

Alt rock/pop trio NEVRLANDS Share Lyric Video for Second Single “Chemicals”; Debut Album ‘Timeless’ Due This Fall via Better Noise Music

DT: AUGUST 11, 2023

FM: KELLY WALSH, MITCH SCHNEIDER / SRO PR

ALTERNATIVE ROCK/POP TRIO
NEVRLANDS
SHARE LYRIC VIDEO FOR SECOND SINGLE
“CHEMICALS”
FROM DEBUT FULL-LENGTH LP
‘TIMELESS’
DUE THIS FALL VIA BETTER NOISE MUSIC

LISTEN HERE
WATCH LYRIC VIDEO HERE

“Chemicals” Single Artwork (Download HERE)

NYC-based trio NEVRLANDS are excited to share a second track “Chemicals” from their forthcoming debut full-length LP TIMELESS due this fall via Better Noise Music. The trio—vocalist OKAN KAZDAL, guitarist LOUIE MALPELI, and drummer MIKEY PITTELLI—have today (August 11) released “Chemicals” across all digital platforms HERE and released a lyric video for the song which can be seen HERE or streaming below.

“‘Chemicals’ is about catching yourself in the heat of the moment,” shares NEVRLANDS collectively. “About painting a portrait of passion and finding that distinction between love and lust in real-time. There’s a very fine line that can sometimes be blurry, or sometimes it’s crystal clear. Is this real? Or is it just another fugazi? ‘Chemicals’ is all about questioning whether or not that perfect chemical connection will last once the moment ends.”

Aiming to provide listeners with relatable lyrics that provide a positive escape from life’s struggles, NEVRLANDS deliver a sonic blend of in-your-face rock n roll with grooving alternative rock and captivating pop-punk melodies. The group issued the LP’s debut track “Stay” in late June which Wolf In A Suit praised stating, “There’s something about the track that just hits the spot from the moment you press play…It’s a one-of-a-kind soundscape bound to be a fan favorite and a perfect way to explore the magic of their infectious sound.”

NEVRLANDS produce, compose and write their own music, finding inspiration from their own personal introspective experiences including love, loss, struggle, triumph, strength, mental health, and self-acceptance. The trio embrace forward-thinking adaptions and methods to create their music such as using nontraditional instrumentation and samples as heard on their 2016 debut single “Rescue Me.” The band have captivated audiences online with their unique live recorded video versions of James Corden’s “Carpool Karaoke” covering artists such as Dua Lipa and The Weeknd in a Tesla using real instruments and Tesla Trax software. NEVRLANDS have also won over audiences across the country with their vibrant, upbeat energy having previously appeared on Vans Warped Tour and tours alongside Allstar Weekend and Jake Miller.

NEVRLANDS
(Credit: Dani Sacco; Download HERE)

Find NEVRLANDS online at:

SRO PR Assets: http://sropr.com/portfolio/nevrlands/

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 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, 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, Toronto, and Sydney. The label was named Billboard’s #1 Mainstream Rock Airplay Label and #1 Mainstream Rock Airplay Imprint of 2022. The label has made history by ranking as the #1 Mainstream Rock Airplay Imprint for five years in a row (2018-2022).

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

August 11, 2023

NOTHING MORE Release First-Ever Live Recordings with New Music Video for Title Track “SPIRITS”; Add Special Guest Lacey Sturm (Flyleaf) to 9/14 Dallas, TX Show

DT: AUGUST 11, 2023

FM: KELLY WALSH, MITCH SCHNEIDER / SRO PR

3X GRAMMY-NOMINATED & GOLD-CERTIFIED ROCK OUTFIT
NOTHING MORE
TO RELEASE FIRST-EVER LIVE RECORDINGS WITH
NEW MUSIC VIDEO FOR THE TITLE TRACK OF THEIR ACCLAIMED 2022 ALBUM
‘SPIRITS’
VIA BETTER NOISE MUSIC

WATCH “SPIRITS (LIVE)” MUSIC VIDEO HERE

STREAM “SPIRITS (LIVE)” HERE

BAND TO HEADLINE “SPIRITS 2023” FALL U.S. TOUR PRODUCED BY LIVENATION
SEPTEMBER 8 -25;
ANNOUNCE SPECIAL GUEST LACEY STURM (FLYLEAF)
AS DIRECT SUPPORT FOR DALLAS SHOW ON 9/14

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3x Grammy-nominated and Gold-certified rock group NOTHING MORE have spent the past year relentlessly performing headlining shows across North America and UK/Europe and at rock’s largest festivals in support of their critically acclaimed 2022 album SPIRITS released via Better Noise Music. Combining unapologetically massive anthems, catchy hooks, and progressive music with introspective, philosophical lyrics and thought-provoking emotionalism, SPIRITS documents the tumultuous time the world experienced over the past two years and was accompanied by their self-designed meta-personality test, SPIRITS TEST (akin to tests such as Myers-Briggs, Big 5 and the Zodiac) and their debut graphic novel “SPIRITS VOL.1” (via Z2 Comics).

Today (August 11), NOTHING MORE have released their first-ever live recording with the acclaimed title track SPIRITS available now across digital platforms alongside a new music video. Stream “SPIRITS (LIVE)” at https://nothingmore.ffm.to/spiritslive. Watch its music video below or on YouTube HERE. “SPIRITS (LIVE)” follows the release of two revamped SPIRITS tracks, “BEST TIMES (feat. Lacey Strum)” and “YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT LOVE MEANS (PIANO VERSION)” featuring guest vocals from rock singer/songwriter Taylor Acorn, both of which are set to be included on a new deluxe version of SPIRITS due later this via Better Noise Music. Stay tuned for additional details to be announced in the coming weeks.

NOTHING MORE will return to stages across the U.S. this fall on the second leg of their “SPIRITS 2023” headlining tour with support from DEAD POET SOCIETY, HYRO THE HERO (rap-rocker and Better Noise Music labelmate), and POST PROFIT. The Live Nation-produced tour will kick off September 8 in Nashville, TN, and end in Charlotte, NC on September 25. NOTHING MORE are excited to share that “Best Times” guest vocalist Lacey Sturm (Flyleaf) will join them as direct support on their September 14 stop in Dallas, TX at The Factory. Watch a trailer for the show HERE. Tickets and VIP meet & greet upgrades remain available at https://nothingmore.net/. See below for a list of all upcoming shows.

NOTHING MORE TOUR DATES:
9/8 Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works *
9/9 Little Rock, AR – The Hall *
9/11 Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom *
9/12 Wichita, KS – The Cotillion Ballroom *
9/14 Dallas, TX – The Factory ^
9/15 Houston, TX – House of Blues *
9/16 San Antonio, TX – Aztec Theatre *
9/18 Mobile, AL – Soul Kitchen Music Hall *
9/19 Huntsville, AL – Mars Music Hall *
9/20 Knoxville, TN – The Mill & Mine *
9/22 Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Revolution *
9/23 Orlando, FL – House of Blues *
9/25 Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore *
* “SPIRITS 2023” headlining tour with Dead Poet Society, Hyro The Hero & Post Profit
^ “SPIRITS 2023” headlining tour with Lacey Sturm, Dead Poet Society, Hyro The Hero & Post Profit

Credit: Christian Lawrence

ABOUT NOTHING MORE
Rock audiences count NOTHING MORE among the most cherished acts, the kind of band who straddle the line between populism and intimacy with every performance. The San Antonio, Texas-born quartet builds unapologetically massive anthems from catchy hooks. Crowd-pleasers clear a path for heady, confessional, thought-provoking emotionalism. Fresh rewards reveal themselves with repeat listens, welcoming like-minded seekers with rich melodicism, like the best of Deftones or Tool.

Those who saw the band on tour with hard rock heavyweights like Shinedown, Five Finger Death Punch, Breaking Benjamin, Papa Roach, and Disturbed will attest to what The Guardian observed: “There’s a sophistication to NOTHING MORE’s angst that raises them above the tumult-tossed pit.”

Kerrang! named NOTHING MORE one of 22 Artists Shaping the Future of Rock, alongside Nine Inch Nails, Twenty One Pilots, and Bring Me The Horizon. And frontman Jonny Hawkins, who met guitarist Mark Vollelunga before they were old enough to drive, appeared with Billie Joe Armstrong, Dave Grohl, and Hayley Williams in the English tastemaker’s Top 50 Greatest Rockstars in the World.

Hawkins and Vollelunga started the band in 2003 and were quickly joined by bassist Daniel Oliver and later by drummer Ben Anderson. The band’s blend of explosive bombast and nuanced storytelling resulted in a half dozen Top 10 singles at Mainstream Rock Radio, including the No. 1 hit “Go to War” and the Sirius XM Octane song of the decade and Active Rock chart-topper “This is the Time (Ballast).” The Stories We Tell Ourselves earned a head-turning three Grammy nominations. They’re set to follow it up with a new album in 2022, which is filled with their most philosophical and primal music to date. The first offering, “TURN IT UP LIKE,” released in March 2022, is a fitting first taste of what’s to come.

NOTHING MORE appeals to fans of Linkin Park, Incubus, Rage Against The Machine, and all crucial acts that stoke relatable passion with authenticity and integrity. Memorize the arena-ready hooks. Get mesmerized by the intimate, communal live show. Dig deeper down the rabbit hole into the work of philosophers and artists like Eckhart Tolle, Carl Jung, and Alan Watts, who inspire the band. There’s a place for every type of rock fan with NOTHING MORE. Built to last, here to stay.

SRO PR Assets: www.sropr.com/portfolio/nothing-more

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 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, 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, Toronto, and Sydney. The label was named Billboard’s #1 Mainstream Rock Airplay Label and #1 Mainstream Rock Airplay Imprint of 2022. The label has made history by ranking as the #1 Mainstream Rock Airplay Imprint for five years in a row (2018-2022).

ABOUT LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

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

August 9, 2023

ABBY POSNER Reveals Anthem For ‘Outsiders’ With New Single “Starting Line” From 8/11 Album ‘Second Chances’ (via Blackbird Record Label)

DATE: AUGUST 9, 2023

FROM: KELLY WALSH, MITCH SCHNEIDER / SRO PR

ABBY POSNER
REVEALS ‘OUTSIDER’ ANTHEM
“STARTING LINE”
WITH NEW MUSIC VIDEO
IN ADVANCE OF AUGUST 11 ALBUM
‘SECOND CHANCES’
VIA BLACKBIRD RECORD LABEL

WATCH IT HERE

UPCOMING APPEARANCES INCLUDE
SOLD-OUT RECORD RELEASE SHOW IN LOS ANGELES ON 8/19
FOLLOWED BY OFFICIAL SHOWCASE AT
AMERICANAFEST IN NASHVILLE IN SEPTEMBER

“Starting Line” Cover Art (Download HERE)

With her new solo album SECOND CHANCES coming out this Friday, August 11 via Blackbird Record Label, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer ABBY POSNER provides an anthem for all of the “outsiders” with her single “The Starting Line.” The music video for “The Starting Line” was exclusively premiered yesterday (August 8) via The Bluegrass Situation. ABBY has shared the clip publicly today (August 9) via her YouTube channel HERE and it can also be seen streaming below. The video presents “The Starting Line” in a stripped-down live setting filmed with Los Angeles’ serene Temescal Canyon in the background. ABBY performs vocals/ banjo and is accompanied by Paula Fong on backing vocals/guitar and Phil Glenn on fiddle/backing vocals.

“I really wanted to do a stripped-down live version of this song, because I didn’t want it to be perfect or overproduced,” shares ABBY. “The rawness is an important part of the song’s overall message. I have spent a lot of time in Temescal Canyon meditating, hiking and unplugging from the sometimes-chaotic hustle and bustle of LA! This is a place where I have always been able to self-reflect and see things more clearly.”

Reflecting on the message behind “The Starting Line,” ABBY, who identifies as queer (they/she), says: “I hope that other artists, queer people, and non-conforming/unconventional folks will be able to hear this song as an anthem for being able to let their freak flag fly and be proud of marching to the beat of their own drum.”

“I have always been torn between being an artist and having a family, and a part of this song is about working through some of these complicated feelings. ’The Starting Line’ is also about feeling like an outsider, and ‘falling behind’–it is a journey toward cultivating a new relationship and new perspective with that part of myself.”

ABBY will celebrate the release of SECOND CHANCES on Saturday, August 19 with a sold-out headlining show in Santa Monica, CA at McCabe’s. She will then be seen performing as an official showcase artist at AMERICANAFEST 2023 in Nashville, TN on September 21 at 7:00 PM at The Vinyl Lab along with a performance the following night, September 22, at The California Country Show AMERICANAFEST Special Event at ACME Feed & Seed which takes place from noon – 7:00 PM.

SECOND CHANCES was produced, mixed and wrote by ABBY who also performed guitar, bass, drum, keys, banjo, mandolin, percussion and vocals for all 12 tracks at Sonic Boom Room Studios in Venice, CA with engineer Kevin Jarvis. Inspired by a life-changing breakup and the introspective soul-searching that followed, SECOND CHANCES embraces her genre-fluid blend of Americana, folk, indie pop and punk rock. The album’s debut track, “Simple Life,”was premiered via Glide Magazine who noted, “Channeling the majestic folk of 70s’ singer-songwriters with a modern Americana edge…Abby Posner certainly has a way with words, images, and echoing a sepia-toned light with her tunes that evoke the forthright sounds of Aimee Mann, Lydia Loveless and Lucinda Williams.” Her second single, “Quiet On Sunset,” was featured as one of CMT’s weekly music videos and was premiered via Guitar Girl Magazine.

ABBY has held several early-career milestones including being featured on prime-time television on the hit series “Glee”; creating film scores for award-winning projects including the STARZ documentary “Lady Buds”; sharing the stage with acts including Sierra Hull, Dave Alvin, and iconic lesbian folksinger Phranc; and having her songs be used by Hulu, Netflix, Freeform and “This American Life.”

A yellow flowers on a white background Description automatically generated
SECOND CHANCES Album Artwork (Designed by Sid Rhea)

Find ABBY POSNER online at:
WEBSITE | FB | IG | YouTube

SRO PR Assets: www.sropr.com/portfolio/abby-posner

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

August 4, 2023

Emo Rockers THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT Release “Generation Psycho” Music Video; Announce Fall ‘Devotion Ceremonies’

DT: AUGUST 4, 2023

FM: KELLY WALSH, MITCH SCHNEIDER / SRO PR

THEATRICAL EMO ROCKERS
THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT
RELEASE TAUNTING NEW SINGLE & MUSIC VIDEO
“GENERATION PSYCHO”
VIA BETTER NOISE MUSIC

WATCH “GENERATION PSYCHO” VIDEO HERE

STREAM/DOWNLOAD “GENERATION PSYCHO” HERE

ANNOUNCE FALL “DEVOTION CEREMONIES” INCLUDING
OPENING FOR ICE NINE KILLS’
“SILVER SCREAM CONCERT” ON 9/9 IN MASSACHUSETTS
FOLLOWED BY “EMO DREAMS TOUR” ACROSS U.S.
WITH ICON FOR HIRE, CONQUER DIVIDE & CONCRETE CASTLES

“Generation Psycho” Single Art (Download HERE)

“So you can crown me the king of misery
Cause I don’t want your American dream.”

Combining modern rock anthems with emo-drenched pop-punk melodies, THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT caters to outcasts from all walks of life. Their over-the-top theatrics and loud, uncompromising music offer audiences a sense of community where the “weird kids” can let loose. The band have today (August 4) released the new single “Generation Psycho,” a sarcastic take on our current cultural climate. “Generation Psycho” will be featured on THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT’s debut album due later this year via Better Noise Music. The massive, no-holds-barred forthcoming release was co-produced by Johnny Andrews (Three Days Grace, Motionless In White, Halestorm) and Josh Landry, aka Lø Spirit (Motionless In White) while mixing and mastering was completed by Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Arch Enemy). Listen to “Generation Psycho” streaming across all digital platforms HERE. A horror-inspired music video for “Generation Psycho” can be seen streaming below or via YouTube HERE.

“‘Generation Psycho’ is a statement piece from our band, a song about the out of control feeling so many people have about our culture, our society, and our government,” shares vocalist Lee Jennings. “The song captures the creeping fear of the future, of being outcasted and abandoned, and of falling through the cracks. We are hoping to connect with the disenfranchised and struggling with this song, the people who don’t know where to turn for help or guidance. We want to offer solace for people in this situation, so they know they are not alone in their fears, worries, and anxieties for themselves & their loved ones. So often it does feel like the whole world has gone crazy. We are no strangers to it and empathize with the experience.”

THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT—Lee Jennings (vocals), Cody Weissinger (guitar), Caleb Freihaut (guitar/auxiliary), Robert Weston (bass) and Homer Umbanhower (drums)—have built an unwavering fanbase, The Coffin Crew, whom they devote their music to thus labelling their live performances as ‘devotion ceremonies.’ The ‘devotion ceremonies’ consists of full theatrics, stage décor, costumed actors and more. With previous tours alongside acts including Shinedown, Underoath, Skillet, Bad Wolves, From Ashes To New, Starset and Pvris under their belt and a main stage set at Inkcarceration Festival, THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT will bring their devotion ceremonies to audiences across the U.S. this fall. The band will next be seen opening for horror rock mainstays Ice Nine Kill for their “Silver Scream Concert” on September 9 in Lynn, MA which takes place amidst Ice Nine Kills’ horror convention, Silver Scream Con. They will then make their way to Greenville, SC on September 13 to join the “Emo Dreams Tour” with Icon For Hire, Conquer Divide and Concrete Castles. The tour will make its way across the U.S. and a stop on September 22 in Toronto, ON before wrapping up on Halloween, October 31 in Memphis, TN. All upcoming dates can be found listed below. Tickets are on sale now at www.tfpcoffincrew.com.

THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT 2023 DEVOTION CEREMONIES:
9/9 Lynn, MA – Lynn Memorial Auditorium (with Ice Nine Kills & Inspirit)
9/13 Greenville, SC – The Radio Room^
9/15 Rochester, NY – Montage Music Hall^
9/16 Elmira, NY – The L (The Pit)^
9/17 Leesburg, VA – Tally Ho Theater^
9/18 Mechanicsburg, PA – Lovedraft’s^
9/19 Hamden, CT – Space Ballroom^
9/20 Brooklyn, NY – Kingsland^
9/22 Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace^
9/23 Erie, PA – Basement Transmissions^
9/24 Lakewood, OH – The Winchester^
9/25 Columbus, OH – A&R Music Bar^
9/26 Indianapolis, IN – Hoosier Dome^
9/27 Grand Rapids, MI – The Stache at The Intersection^
9/29 Joliet, IL – The Forge^
9/30 Des Moines, IA – Leftys^
10/1 Fargo, ND – The Aquarium^
10/3 Billings, MT – Pub Station^
10/4 Great Falls, MT – The Newberry^
10/6 Boise, ID – The Shredder^
10/7 Spokane, WA – Big Dipper^
10/8 Seattle, WA – El Corazon^
10/10 San Francisco, CA – Brick & Mortar^
10/12 Fresno, CA – Full Circle Brewing^
10/13 Anaheim, CA – House of Blues (Parish Room)^
10/14 Los Angeles, CA – The Mint^
10/15 San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick^
10/17 Las Vegas, NV – The Usual Place^
10/18 Phoenix, AZ – Rebel Lounge^
10/19 El Paso, TX – Rockhouse^
10/20 Rosewell, NM – The Liberty^
10/21 Lubbock, TX – Jake’s^
10/22 San Antonio, TX – Paper Tiger (Small Room)^
10/24 Houston, TX – Scout Bar^
10/25 Corpus Christi, TX – House of Rock^
10/27 Destin, FL – Club LA^
10/30 Detroit, MI – Saint Andrews Hall (with Twiztid)
^ “Emo Dreams” Tour with Icon For Hire, Conquer Divide and Concrete Castles

Credit: Aaron Mash (Download HERE)

Follow THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT online at
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube

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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 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, 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, Toronto, and Sydney. The label was named Billboard’s #1 Mainstream Rock Airplay Label and #1 Mainstream Rock Airplay Imprint of 2022. The label has made history by ranking as the #1 Mainstream Rock Airplay Imprint for five years in a row (2018-2022).

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For press inquiries and/or tour coverage requests, please contact:
SRO PR
Kelly Walsh – kwalsh@sropr.com
Mitch Schneider – mschneider@sropr.com

August 4, 2023

EVA UNDER FIRE Announce Deluxe Edition of Debut Album ‘Love, Drugs & Misery’; Release “Unstoppable (Feat. Cory Marks)” Music Video

DT: AUGUST 4, 2023

FM: KELLY WALSH, MITCH SCHNEIDER / SRO PR

EVA UNDER FIRE
CELEBRATE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF
2022 DEBUT
‘LOVE, DRUGS & MISERY’
VIA BETTER NOISE MUSIC
WITH ANNOUNCEMENT OF DELUXE EDITION
DUE SEPTEMBER 22

PRE-ORDER’S AVAILABLE NOW HERE

FEMALE-FRONTED ROCK GROUP
RELEASE BONUS TRACK & OFFICIAL RADIO SINGLE
“UNSTOPPABLE (FEAT. CORY MARKS)”
TODAY (AUGUST 4) ALONGSIDE MUSIC VIDEO

LISTEN/WATCH HERE

CATCH EVA ON FIRE ON TOUR THIS SUMMER/FALL WITH POP EVIL, FINGER ELEVEN, TAPROOT & MORE

LOVE, DRUGS & MISERY: DELUXE EDITION Cover Art (Download HERE)

Emerging Detroit-based rock outfit EVA UNDER FIRE will celebrate the one-year anniversary of their critically acclaimed debut full-length album LOVE, DRUGS & MISERY with news of a deluxe edition due September 22 via Better Noise Music. The original album, which features tracks with guest performances from Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills, Jonathan Dörr (formerly of Ego Kill Talent) and From Ashes To New, now gets the deluxe treatment with 10 bonus tracks including a cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs”; two acoustic tracks; four Noise Machine-remixed tracks; two reimagined tracks featuring country rocker Cory Marks; and more. See the full track listing below. Pre-orders for LOVE, DRUGS & MISERY: DELUXE EDITION are available now via digital download at https://evaunderfire.ffm.to/lovedrugsmiserydeluxe.

Today (August 4) ¸ the female-fronted EVA UNDER FIRE have released one of the LOVE, DRUGS & MISERY: DELUXE EDITION bonus tracks; it’s a new version of their passionate single “Unstoppable” which has received a country flair courtesy of breakout country rockstar CORY MARKS. It will be serviced to radio and follows their latest official radio single “Blow (feat. Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills)” which peaked at #11 on the Active Rock charts. Combining Marks’ soulful twang with EVA UNDER FIRE vocalist EVA MARIE’s entrancing melodic-yet-heavy rock vocals, “Unstoppable (Feat. Cory Marks)” tugs at listeners’ heartstrings. Listen to “Unstoppable (Feat. Cory Marks)” streaming now across all platforms HERE. Watch its music video streaming below or via YouTube HERE.

“I’m a hopeless romantic so I wrote “Unstoppable” about my parents’ high school love story,” shares EVA MARIE. “My dad used to steal his sister’s corvette while she was at work and pick my mom up for joy rides. For me, this song honors my rebellious roots; a classic outlaw story that fits just as easily in a rock song as it could in a country song and you can hear that in the way we recorded the original version, the swing between rock and country is undeniable. I feel the attitude and the swagger every time we play it live, and now having Cory Marks add his vocals to the track really feels like it brings the song home, it makes the perfect vibe for ‘Unstoppable!’”

“I was thrilled that Eva Under Fire asked me to feature on their song ‘Unstoppable,’ states MARKS. “It’s a rockin tune with a bit of a country groove and story to it. It’s like a rock n roll Bonnie and Clyde, underdogs ready to burn it up and I dig that!”

Eva Under Fire with Cory Marks

LOVE, DRUGS & MISERY: DELUXE EDITION Track List:
1. Blow (feat. Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills)
2. Unstoppable
3. With Or Without You
4. Another Shot Through The Heart
5. Misery
6. The Strong
7. Death Of Me
8. Ghost
9. Coming For Blood (feat. Matt Brandyberry from From Ashes To New)
10. Comatose (feat. Jonathan Dörr)
11. Give Me A Reason

BONUS TRACKS
1. I Will Fight (2023 Version)
2. Devil In Disguise
3. Come Undone
4. Separate Ways
5. War Pigs (Black Sabbath cover)
6. The Strong (Acoustic)
7. Blow (Acoustic)
8. Comatose EUF version
9. Unstoppable (feat. Cory Marks)
10. Give Me A Reason (feat. Cory Marks)
11. Coming For Blood (Noise Machine Remix)
12. Heroin(e) (Noise Machine Remix)
13. Comatose (Noise Machine Remix)
14. Unstoppable (Noise Machine Remix)

In addition to the success of LOVE, DRUGS & MISERY’s release in 2022, EVA UNDER FIRE substantially expanded their fanbase following Eva Marie’s featured appearance in the horror-thriller The Retaliators (Better Noise Films) and the inclusion of their single “Blow (ft. Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills)” which garnered over 8 million streams globally. Previously, the album’s single “Heroin(e)” was spotlighted in the soundtrack for the 2020 film Sno Babies (Better Noise Films) which saw astonishing results and to date has over 26 million streams. EVA UNDER FIRE have toured rigorously across the globe including a recent tour earlier this year in Europe with Skillet which saw filled rooms and glowing reviews from critics. The band are currently on tour in the U.S. with Pop Evil throughout August 17 and will be seen throughout fall on jaunts with Finger Eleven, Josey Scott’s Saliva and Taproot in addition to a few headlining shows. See full dates below. Tickets are on-sale at https://evaunderfire.os.fan/

EVA ON FIRE TOUR DATES:
7/30 Bloomington, IL – The Castle Theatre *
8/11 Battle Creek, MI – The Music Factory
8/12 Evart, MI – Rock 4 Vets
8/13 Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line
8/15 East Moline, IL – Rust Belt *
8/17 Ottumwa, IA – Bridge View Center *
9/1 Madison, WI – Majestic Theater
9/3 Moline, IL – Rust Belt &
9/6 Wyandotte, MI – District 142 &
9/8 Angola, IN – The Eclectic Room ^
9/10 Alton, VA – Blue Ridge Rock Fest
9/12 Ashwaubenon, WI – EPIC Event Center &
9/14 Cincinnati, OH – Riverfront Live &
9/30 Flint, MI – The Machine Shop # SOLD OUT
10/1 Flint, MI – The Machine Shop # SOLD OUT
11/3 Hampton Beach, NH – Wally’s #
11/4 New York, NY – Gramercy Theater #
11/17 Grand Rapids, MI – Elevation @ The Intersection #
11/18 Angola, IN – The Eclectic Room #
* with Pop Evil
& with Finger Eleven
^ with Josey Scott’s Saliva
# with Taproot

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 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, 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, Toronto, and Sydney. The label was named Billboard’s #1 Mainstream Rock Airplay Label and #1 Mainstream Rock Airplay Imprint of 2022. The label has made history by ranking as the #1 Mainstream Rock Airplay Imprint for five years in a row (2018-2022).

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

August 2, 2023

OUT NOW: FROM ASHES TO NEW’s Album ‘Blackout’ Goes #1 Metal Worldwide As Single “Nightmare” Runs Up The Active Rock Charts

DT: AUGUST 2, 2023

FM: KELLY WALSH, MITCH SCHNEIDER / SRO PR

FROM ASHES TO NEWS’
‘BLACKOUT’
DEBUTS AT #1 ON SEVERAL GLOBAL CHARTS

JULY 28 RELEASE OF THE NEW ALBUM
VIA BETTER NOISE MUSIC
COINCIDES WITH THE ACTIVE ROCK RADIO CHART ASCENT OF THEIR NEW SINGLE
“NIGHTMARE”

A person standing in front of a burning building Description automatically generated

21st-century rock vanguards FROM ASHES TO NEW’s explosive blend of hard rock, hip-hop, electronic and alternative music has driven their brand-new album BLACKOUT to the #1 spot on several iTunes and Spotify Rock and Metal charts across the globe. The 12-track album, released via Better Noise Music last Friday, June 28, was produced by vocalist Matt Brandyberry, alongside longtime collaborators and producers Grant McFarland and Carson Slovak. Conceptually it acts as a prequel to their 2016 debut DAY ONE and mirrors the angst and unrest the world felt during the 2020 pandemic at which time it was written.

Featuring their fifth-ever Top 10-charting rock radio single “Hate Me Too,” which peaked at #8 on Mediabase charts, and their latest anthemic single “Nightmare,” now climbing the charts at Active Rock radio, BLACKOUT has made waves with seven #1 iTunes Metal albums chartings and four #1 iTunes Rock albums placements including four dual #1’s globally. See their top chartings listed below.

“This past weekend was absolutely insane,” says the band’s lead singer Matt Brandyberry. “We went from not releasing a record since 2020 to having one of the biggest releases in the industry last Friday. When we decided to write ‘Blackout,’ we chose to write it for us. We wanted it to be a representation of who we feel we are as a band. Much like ‘Day One’ we pushed away outside influences and made something organic. The silver lining to the chaos of 2020/2021 was realizing how quickly everything can be taken away. It reinvigorated the passion that ignited all of our musical journeys. This sound is who we’ve always been and is who we will always be moving forward. Welcome to the BLACKOUT!”

“‘Blackout is the album we’ve always wanted to make,” elaborates vocalist Danny Case. “It’s intense, emotional, heavy, and most importantly, it’s us. This album truly represents who we are as a band and its massive sound will prove to be our best record yet. We are so incredibly proud of this album, and we are confident it will quickly become our fans’ favorite From Ashes To New record ever.”

Global – #10 Overall Albums (iTunes)
USA – Top 10 (Spotify)
UK – #1 Metal & #1 Rock Album (iTunes)
Switzerland – #1 Metal & #1 Rock Album (iTunes)
Belgium – #1 Metal & #1 Rock Album (iTunes)
Australia – #1 Metal & #1 Rock Album (iTunes)
Germany – #1 Metal & #2 Rock Album (iTunes)
Japan – #1 Metal & #4 Rock Album (iTunes)
Austria – #2 Metal & #2 Rock Album (iTunes)
France – # 2 Metal & #5 Rock (iTunes)

FROM ASHES TO NEW are currently celebrating their #1 success on the road alongside rock mainstays In This Moment and Motionless In White plus For A King throughout August 19. See full dates listed below. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.fromashestonew.com/tour. Earlier this year, FROM ASHES TO NEW was featured at several of the top rock festivals including Sonic Temple, Inkcarceration Festival and Welcome To Rockville, in addition to appearing on tours with Shinedown, Three Days Grace and Bullet For My Valentine.

Read what some of the press is saying about BLACKOUT:

“Blackout thrives on electronics, heavy riffs, big hooks, screams and rhymes… Overall, the album is a perfectly good serving of mosh-pit-ready hard rock that should resonate with existing fans and find some new ones.” – Riff Magazine

“The electronic side of From Ashes To New is on show here, accompanying the rap vocals perfectly. Everything about the songs on Blackout screams accessibility…Case unleashes the inner beast in a running battle with Brandyberry that creates a sonic wall of destruction almost impossible to resist.” – Heavy Mag

“twelve tracks of catchy singalong belters… Hugely enjoyable” – The Moshville Times

Stream and/or download BLACKOUT or grab a physical copy on CD, vinyl or cassette at https://fatn.ffm.to/blackoutalbum

FROM ASHES TO NEW Tour Dates:
8/2 Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion &
8/4 Council Bluffs, IA – KIWR’s Rockfest – Westfair Amphitheater &
8/5 Camdenton, MO – Ozarks Amphitheater &
8/6 Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena &
8/8 Memphis, TN – The Soundstage at Graceland &
8/9 Mobile, AL – Mobile Civic Center Arena &
8/11 Huntsville, AL – Propst Arena &
8/12 Asheville, NC – Harrah’s Cherokee Center &
8/13 Corbin, KY – Corbin Arena &
8/15 Evansville, IN – Ford Center &
8/16 Fort Wayne, IN – Allen County War Memorial Expo Center &
8/18 Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion &
8/19 Albany, NY – MVP Arena &
& with In This Moment, Motionless In White & Fit For A King

A group of men posing for a picture Description automatically generated
l-r: Mat Madiro, Matt Brandyberry, Danny Case, Lance Dowdle
Credit: Jeremy Saffer

SRO PR Assets: www.sropr.com/portfolio/from-ashes-to-new

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

August 2, 2023

Bali-Based Alternative Pop-Rock Trio MANJA Debut Video For “Last Night’s Kiss”

DATE: AUGUST 2, 2023

FROM: MARCEE RONDAN/KELLY WALSH

BALI-BASED ALTERNATIVE POP-ROCK TRIO
MANJA
DEBUT VIDEO FOR
“LAST NIGHT’S KISS”

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE AND
LISTEN TO THE TRACK HERE

Bali-based alternative pop-rock trio MANJA–James (vocals, guitars) and brothers Nick Vleugels (guitar) and Mark Vleugels (keyboards)–have just released the video for their new single “Last Night’s Kiss.” Out today (August 2), the playful, imaginative clip alternates between live and studio performances, alongside magical hallucinations and the twists and turns of a boy meets girl storyline; the video reinforces the song’s central theme on the power of fantasy and imagination. Watch the video (directed by Rein Maychaelson and Abby Latip) here and listen to the song here.

“When we heard there was going to be a magic potion that could bring you back in time in the music video, we just couldn’t wait to see how the video would turn out,” James Sukadana says. “The process was super-fun, what with the wacky costumes involved, and the production team were so open to us having fun and improvising on set. We hope that when people watch it, they can feel the energy that we and everyone involved put into the process and have as much fun as we did. Hopefully, this would be a great way for people to get to know the real us!”

“I am so buzzed with the end result!” Mark Vleugels adds. “I’ve always liked the film ‘Groundhog Day’ and themes of mystery in pop culture, so I was very excited when the team came up with the time loop concept in the video. Since we grew up and still live in Bali, we know how much spirituality is tied to the island’s culture and roots. Although Hollywood has added a different spin, we also want to include another, perhaps darker, side to things–mystery and magic–while keeping it fun and quirky the way we like it.”

A group of men posing for a picture Description automatically generated
MANJA: Mark Vleugels (yellow jacket), Nick Vleugels (blue jacket), James Sukadana (red jacket)

“Last Night’s Kiss,” is the first song MANJA had ever written as a band and it was more than five years in the making. Initially inspired by the song “Darling” from American indie-rock band Real Estate, “Last Night’s Kiss” underwent various iterations before MANJA settled on the current version. As they developed the song, they struggled with writer’s block. At one point, the original sketch to “Last Night’s Kiss” was scrapped and reworked into a rock track, a la The Black Keys. “It was fun to play live, but it stuck out like a sore thumb against our other songs. It did not fit into our set at all,” Nick says.

Fortunately, the turning point came when they started working with producer duo Brian Kresna Putro and Enrico Octaviano, renowned drummers for Indonesian bands Tiket and Lomba Sihir, respectively. MANJA returned to the original demo and finally got their mojo back.

For more information about MANJA:
Official website MANJA Official
Instagram @wearemanja
Facebook MANJA Official
YouTube MANJA Official Channel

July 28, 2023

FROM ASHES TO NEW Apocalyptic Concept Album ‘Blackout’ Out Today via Better Noise Music; Share Lyric Video for “Monster In Me”

DT: JULY 28, 2023

FM: KELLY WALSH, MITCH SCHNEIDER / SRO PR

FROM ASHES TO NEW
RELEASE APOCALYPTIC CONCEPT ALBUM
‘BLACKOUT’
TODAY, JULY 28, VIA BETTER NOISE MUSIC
DESCRIBED BY THE BAND AS PREQUEL
TO DEBUT ALBUM
‘DAY ONE’

BAND SHARE LYRIC VIDEO FOR
“MONSTER IN ME”
WATCH HERE

TOP 10 ACTIVE ROCK RADIO-CHARTING GROUP
ON TOUR THROUGHOUT AUGUST 19 WITH
IN THIS MOMENT, MOTIONLESS IN WHITE AND FIT FOR A KING

A person standing in front of a burning building Description automatically generated A group of men posing for a picture Description automatically generated
BLACKOUT Cover Artwork / DOWNLOAD HERE; l-r: Mat Madiro, Matt Brandyberry, Danny Case, Lance Dowdle Credit: Jeremy Saffer

FROM ASHES TO NEW continue to break their way into the top of the 21st century rock vanguard with their compelling new album BLACKOUT, out today (July 28), via BETTER NOISE MUSIC. Conceptually, BLACKOUT encapsulates the distress of the pre-apocalyptic world the Lancaster, PA band built with their groundbreaking 2016 debut DAY ONE, while mirroring the angst and unrest the world felt during the 2020 pandemic at which time it was written. Sonically, FROM ASHES TO NEW deliver a fresh spin on the sound that broke them onto the scene with their distinctive blend of hard rock, hip-hop, electronic and alternative music. BLACKOUT was produced by vocalist Matt Brandyberry, alongside longtime collaborators and producers Grant McFarland and Carson Slovak at Atrium Audio in PA. It features 12 tracks including their fifth-ever Top 10-charting rock radio single “Hate Me Too,” which peaked at #8 on Mediabase charts, and their latest anthemic single “Nightmare” which is now climbing the charts at Active Rock radio. Stream and/or download BLACKOUT or grab a physical copy on CD, vinyl or cassette at https://fatn.ffm.to/blackoutalbum.

“‘Blackout’ is our prequel to ‘Day One,’” says co-vocalist Matt Brandyberry. “‘Day One’ was a strong representation of the style that made FATN who we are today, and ‘Blackout’ is a step above. The world seems to be headed further and further towards chaos and destruction, so it only felt right to create a piece to paint the picture we are all becoming all too familiar with. Expect much more of this from us in the future!”

“‘Blackout is the album we’ve always wanted to make,” relays co-vocalist Danny Case. “It’s intense, emotional, heavy, and most importantly, it’s us. This album truly represents who we are as a band and its massive sound will prove to be our best record yet. We are so incredibly proud of this album, and we are confident it will quickly become our fans’ favorite From Ashes To New record ever.”

To further celebrate BLACKOUT‘s release, FROM ASHES TO NEW have today shared a lyric video for their rap/metal hybrid track “Monster In Me” which can be seen streaming below or via YouTube HERE.

FROM ASHES TO NEW are currently on tour across the U.S. until August 19 with rock mainstays In This Moment and Motionless In White along with For A King. Earlier this year, FROM ASHES TO NEW was featured at several of the top rock festivals including Sonic Temple, Inkcarceration Festival and Welcome To Rockville, in addition to appearing on tours with Shinedown, Three Days Grace and Bullet For My Valentine. See full dates listed below. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.fromashestonew.com/tour.

FROM ASHES TO NEW Tour Dates:
7/29 Flagstaff, AZ – Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill Park &
7/30 Grand Junction, CO – Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park &
8/1 Wichita, KS – Hartman Arena &
8/2 Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion &
8/4 Council Bluffs, IA – KIWR’s Rockfest – Westfair Amphitheater &
8/5 Camdenton, MO – Ozarks Amphitheater &
8/6 Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena &
8/8 Memphis, TN – The Soundstage at Graceland &
8/9 Mobile, AL – Mobile Civic Center Arena &
8/11 Huntsville, AL – Propst Arena &
8/12 Asheville, NC – Harrah’s Cherokee Center &
8/13 Corbin, KY – Corbin Arena &
8/15 Evansville, IN – Ford Center &
8/16 Fort Wayne, IN – Allen County War Memorial Expo Center &
8/18 Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion &
8/19 Albany, NY – MVP Arena &
& with In This Moment, Motionless In White & Fit For A King

Follow the “FROM ASHES TO NEW: ULTIMATE PLAYLIST” here:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4z4INS38ARdetC7oq0pntr?si=1874c64f8cb34df3

SRO PR Assets: www.sropr.com/portfolio/from-ashes-to-new

###

###

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

July 27, 2023

Bali-based Alternative Pop/Rock Trio MANJA Dive Into Fantasies on New Single “Last Night’s Kiss”

DATE: JULY 27, 2023

FROM: MARCEE RONDAN/KELLY WALSH

“Last Night’s Kiss” single cover art

BALI-BASED ALTERNATIVE POP-ROCK TRIO
MANJA
DIVE DEEP INTO THEIR FANTASIES
ON BRAND-NEW SINGLE
“LAST NIGHT’S KISS”

GROUP’S BOPPING NEW TRACK OUT TODAY (JULY 27) QUESTIONS FOOTLOOSE FANTASY
VERSUS REALITY

LISTEN TO TO THE TRACK HERE

To hook up, canoodle, and live large and full throttle, hoping the rendezvous would become a story with a happy ending.

For Bali-based alternative pop-rock trio MANJA, the power of fantasy and imagination fascinates them and it serves as central theme on their brand-new single “Last Night’s Kiss” out today (July 27) on all digital streaming platforms. Listen here.

“We imagined this tale about meeting and hooking up with someone at a party, making questionable decisions because of this person, and just living large,” vocalist and guitarist James Sukadana explains about the song’s lyrics which are based on an imaginary story about a late-night encounter with someone that was inspired by their living-life-to-the-fullest disposition but on their own terms.

MANGA’s James and brothers Nick and Mark Vleugels–who play guitar and keyboards, respectively–are down for a party, yes, but in their own way. For the über-talented and hard-working band, a party means crafting and composing music together and having loads of fun doing so. MANJA firmly believe that everyone has a unique definition of a party, encouraging individuals to explore their imagination and create their own extraordinary experiences.

And so, from a fantasy, MANJA crafted a whole song to try and live out a different reality.

“It is so at odds with how we lead our lives,” says James. “But there is a plot twist to the song. Even though we knew that we were falling into a trap, we still wanted to give it a go. It reflects on how we are in real life, where we embrace the here and now without any regrets,” he adds.

A group of men posing for a picture Description automatically generated
MANJA: Mark Vleugels (yellow jacket), Nick Vleugels (blue jacket), James Sukadana (red jacket)

It also mirrors MANJA‘s approach to music, where they do not aim for a specific style or sound. “Whenever we find something cool from the songs that we are listening to, we tend to try and implement it to our music instead of exclusively looking for something that is MANJA,” James reveals.

Initially inspired by the song “Darling” from American indie-rock band Real Estate, “Last Night’s Kiss” underwent various iterations before MANJA settled on the current version. As they developed the song, they struggled with writer’s block. At one point, the original sketch to “Last Night’s Kiss” was scrapped and reworked into a rock track, a la The Black Keys. “It was fun to play live, but it stuck out like a sore thumb against our other songs. It did not fit into our set at all,” Nick says.

“Everything felt great in the studio, and we enjoyed working with Brian and Enrico. We bounced ideas off one another. They complement us very well, and to have them streamlining the recording process was so helpful because we tend to have trouble agreeing on the right sound or direction,” says Mark.

James, however, found the vocal recording process very intriguing. Working with celebrated vocal director Irvan Natadiningrat, his initial jitters evaporated as soon as they started getting their hands dirty.

“I was nervous because I am not what some may call a conventional singer,” James says. “But he [Irvan] was terrific to work with. He wanted to feel what the song was about from how I sang. It is about hooking up with someone while drunk, so he insisted I get slightly inebriated. First time with a vocal director, first time recording tipsy. It worked out pretty well!” James adds with a chuckle.

More than five years in the making, MANJA finally finished the first song they had ever written as a band. Delighted with the result, Nick admits that it is a relief. “Especially since our songwriting has changed a lot. But this sound is exactly what we wanted to achieve.”

“This single is the fresh new sound of MANJA. It is a sign of what is to come from us in the future, and this is the level of standards that we want to maintain, all fun and vibes and no regrets,” concludes James.

For more information about MANJA please visit:

Official website MANJA Official
Instagram @wearemanja
Facebook MANJA Official
YouTube MANJA Official Channel

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