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THE STRAY CATS Release New Live Album ‘Rocked This Town: From LA To London’ This Friday And Share Q&A

DATE: SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN
THE STRAY CATS
SET TO RELEASE
NEW LIVE ALBUM
‘ROCKED THIS TOWN: FROM LA TO LONDON’
ON SEPTEMBER 11
AND SHARE Q&A
The STRAY CATSthis week release their live album ROCKED THIS TOWN: FROM LA TO LONDON. Available Friday,September 11 via Surfdog Records and distributed by BMG (CD, vinyl, digital), this collection of 23 tracks recorded during the band’s critically acclaimed 40th Anniversary Tour in 2019 combines their unparalleled virtuosity and red-hot rock & roll spirit, all raw and completely live–the way it was played on sweaty stages around the world. Read the band Q&A below, view the album trailer hereand click hereto pre-order the album.
ROCKED THIS TOWN: FROM LA TO LONDON was produced by the multi-platinum band’s guitarist/vocalist Brian Setzer, upright bass player Lee Rocker and drummer Slim Jim Phantom–original founding members of the iconic American rock and roll trio–and mixed by Vance Powell (Jack White, Chris Stapleton, Arctic Monkeys). The album’s career-spanning track listing (below) features their greatest hits as well as several brand-new scorchers from last year’s 40, the band’s first new album in 26 years.
THE STRAY CATS:
Q&A
WITH BRIAN SETZER, LEE ROCKER AND SLIM JIM PHANTOM
ABOUT THEIR NEW ALBUM
‘ROCKED THIS TOWN: FROM LA TO LONDON’
You guys know how to capture lightning in a bottle, and the audiences are with you the whole way. What’s the secret to delivering a great Stray Cats show?
BRIAN: The first thing I noticed last summer was that we had spread out on stage.  I guess over the years, as the crowds got bigger, we spread out more.  I discovered we needed to be close together like we were still playing in our garages.  That really brought the band back together. As long as we’re within an ear-shot and eye-shot of each, the magic just happens.
LEE: The secret of the Stray Cats is that every time we hit the stage, it’s with 110% laser focus. Brian, Jim and I challenge each other every night to raise the bar and rock harder! 
JIM: The secret of a great Cats show is keeping it rocking and relaxed all at once which is the hardest thing for any band to do, especially in a fast-paced musical style like rockabilly where there’s a fine line between being wild and rocking and being out of control. We’ve done so many shows and know each other so well as musicians that everyone is on the same wavelength with knowing when to let it loose and when to hold it back just a little–that’s what makes any band good. As a band you need to steer the audience and keep them with you all at once–you can’t just go out there and wear everybody out right away!
The track selection on the album adds up to a greatest hits collection and a whole lot more. How do you feel it represents the legacy of The Stray Cats?
BRIAN: Even after a two-and-a half month tour, we barely made a scratch in the amount of cities that you can visit.  I feel we definitely needed a live album so that people who couldn’t make our shows could get to experience a Stray Cats show.  I realized that besides the songs from our new album 40, people were singing along with practically every song.  This represented to me that the Stray Cats were much more than hit records.  We had created life-long fans.
LEE: This live record really captures what we are about. It’s our best songs played with sweat, passion and attitude. It’s the soundtrack of my life.
JIM: We opened the show with “Cat Fight” which is a new song–that sets the tone right away that this is not just some oldies, greatest hits gig. We felt it was very important to have new songs for the tour, and then to open the show with a brand new one is a pretty bad ass move if you ask me–everybody knows the hits are coming, the fun is how you get there.
40 years on, what have you guys learned about each other musically? The band’s chemistry is undeniable, as this live album proves.
BRIAN: Stray Cats play with a lot of dynamics.  This comes from watching each other and listening to each other play onstage.  This can only come from a band that has been together for a long time.  And from guys who grew up on the same block.  I love playing with the boys, and you’ll love listening to this album.
LEE: The Stray Cats are ALL about the chemistry between us. Every night it’s different, every time we hit the stage and play “Rock This Town” or “Stray Cat Strut.” It’s different and unique. It’s the magic, it’s the secret, it’s what make us the Stray Cats.
JIM: Personally, I keep learning how good the other two are! They play so well and I get to listen to it every night–I’m still super into it! We’ve spent a big chunk of our lives doing music together, going back 40 years and if you count Lee and I practicing just the bass and drums back in the garage in Massapequa [Long Island, New York] since the 8th grade, it’s even more time than that. We had an undeniable chemistry immediately way back then, and we’ve really embraced it and worked on it so that by now, it just comes out that way!
Tracklisting:
1. CAT FIGHT (OVER A DOG LIKE ME)
2. RUNAWAY BOYS
3. TOO HIP, GOTTA GO
4. DOUBLE TALKIN’ BABY
5. THREE TIME’S A CHARM
6. STRAY CAT STRUT
7. MEAN PICKIN’ MAMA
8. GENE & EDDIE
9. CRY BABY
10. I WON’T STAND IN YOUR WAY
11. CANNONBALL RAG
12. MISIRLOU
13. WHEN NOTHING’S GOING RIGHT
14. (SHE’S) SEXY + 17
15. BRING IT BACK AGAIN
16. MY ONE DESIRE **
17. BLAST OFF
18. LUST ‘N’ LOVE
19. FISHNET STOCKINGS
20. ROCK THIS TOWN
21. ROCK IT OFF
22. BUILT FOR SPEED
23. RUMBLE IN BRIGHTON
**On LP and digital only

Photo credit: Suzie Kaplan

The Stray Cats from L-R: Brian Setzer, Slim Jim Phantom, Lee Rocker,
By Russ Harrington
About The STRAY CATS:
The STRAY CATS, the band that put Rockabilly music back on the record charts in the early ’80s, scored several big hits on both sides of the Atlantic thanks to a striking visual 1950’s style brought “up to date” with exaggerated pompadours and colorful tattoos and as well as genuine musical chops that evoked the best players of rockabilly’s original heyday. Formed by guitarist/vocalist Brian Setzer, upright bass player Lee Rocker and drummer Slim Jim Phantom in the Long Island town of Massapequa, NY, in 1979, the trio shared a love for Rockabilly music. After banging around New York for a few months, in the summer of 1980, and seeing a pompadoured kid on the cover of UK magazine NME, they hopped a plane to London where a rockabilly revival movement was just beginning to emerge. Their massive hits and videos include “Runaway Boys,” “Rock This Town,”“Stray Cat Strut” “(She’s) Sexy + 17,” and “I Won’t Stand in Your Way.”
For more information on TheSTRAY CATS, visit:
Press Releases + Assets:
For press inquiries, contact SRO PR:  
Mitch Schneider│[email protected]
Marcee Rondan│[email protected]

 


IVA TORIC Shares Cover Version of Tori Amos’ “Crucify”

DT: SEPTEMBER 8, 2020
FM: KELLY WALSH, SRO PR

 

MELODIC DOOM/SYMPHONIC ROCK ARTIST
IVA TORIC

RELEASES COVER VERSION OF TORI AMOS’
“CRUCIFY”
 
SHARES ‘MAKING OF’-THEMED MUSIC VIDEO
 
  
San Francisco-based melodic doom/symphonic metal artist IVA TORIC has revealed a new single–a striking cover version of Tori Amos‘ “Crucify“–in advance of her upcoming debut album THE DEVIL’S MARK due out later this year. Alongside the single, IVA has shared a music video that takes listeners behind the scenes of the recording process with producer Jim Kaufman and guest musicians Gregg Cash (Josh Todd and the Conflict, ex-Dorothy) on bass, Kemble Walters (Juliette & The Licks, Aeges) on guitars, Dylan Howard (Aeges) on drums and Sasha Smith on keys. Directed and edited by Matt Akana-who also designed the above cover art–the video can be seen streaming below or via YouTube here.
 
“I’m excited to honor Tori Amos with this cover,” shares IVA, “and to give my listeners a preview of what’s to come on my debut album ‘The Devil’s Mark.'”
 
Iva Toric - Crucify (Tori Amos cover)
IVA TORIC – “Crucify” (Tori Amos cover) Music Video
“Crucify” is available now across all digital platforms at https://ffm.to/crucify 
IVA uses her music to overcome personal challenges with mental health and relate to those who share the same issues while nurturing her connection to nature by using dark, mysterious elements and pagan aesthetics across her imagery. IVA‘s debut single “Dark Side of Me was premiered in January via KERRANG who described her sound as a “syncretic approach to dark culture, mixing the organic darkness of Uada, the psychedelic hues of Soundgarden, and the goth elegance of Maria Brink.” In April, she revealed her second “explosive and melancholy” (Ghost Cult Magazine) track “Actions Speak Louder followed by her last single, “Finally Today” which premiered via Metal Injection in May.

 

For more information on IVA TORIC, please visit:
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HARRY SHEARER’s “Number One Son,” Sixth Song In Donald Trump Series, Out Now

 

DATE:      SEPTEMBER 4, 2020
 
FROM:     MARCEE RONDAN
 
 
“THE SIMPSONS” AND “SPINAL TAP” STAR
HARRY SHEARER
Releases Sixth Song in Donald Trump Series
 
 
  
 
A high quality person
Second to none
I barely know him
They tell me he’s my
Number One Son
My Number One Son
 
#DonaldTrumpSong
 
Today (September 4) HARRY SHEARER releases NUMBER ONE SON as the sixth track as Donald Trump in a series which runs with a song a week leading up the November election. Over the summer, the star of The Simpsons” and “Spinal Tap has been exploring, through song, the dark and often comical recesses of the president’s mind during his time in office.
 
NUMBER ONE SON proves, in SHEARER’s words, that,
The apple doesn’t fall far from the refrigerator.”
 
With more to follow, “NUMBER ONE SON”is Donald Sr.’s paean to his eldest child Donald Jr. The song depicts the current incumbent of The Oval Office singing an “electric chop suey” tribute to his favorite first born. Charting all the qualities he holds dear in his eldest son, from his penchant for hunting to his conversations with Russians, SHEARER‘s president reveals his new found love for the boy who serves him well.
 
The new track follows the old-school R&B anthem to Jared Kushner SON IN LAW”; the disco/plaintive folk number celebrating Trump’s consistent inconsistency in his approach to the pandemic “COVID-180“; VERY STABLE GENIUSa low-power power-ballad, in which the leader of the free world vaunts his self-proclaimed intellectual prowess combined with his calm and balanced disposition; “STORMY DANIELS,” a romantic ballad of passion, power and pay off; and last week’s ALABAMA,a southern rock style tribute to the state that holds such a special place in Trump’s “heart.”
 
With music and lyrics by SHEARER, “NUMBER ONE SON” also has “The Simpsons” star on vocals as Donald Trump. He is joined by Sharlotte Gibson and CJ Vanston on backing vocals, Marc Bonilla on guitars, Toss Panos on drums and CJ Vantson on keyboard and other instruments. It is mastered by Peter Doell at Aftermaster and released by Twanky Records.
 
HARRY SHEARER has vocally portrayed every U.S. president of his lifetime. Donald Trump is the third he has portrayed physically, having previously played Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan on screen.
 
HARRY SHEARER says of the series of Trump-themed songs, which will be released on a weekly basis over the next seven weeks:
 
“My Donald Trump is almost as eager for continued public attention as the’real’ Trump.”
 
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For more about Harry Shearer, click here.
 
Here’s a link to the HARRY SHEARER‘s series of Trump themed songs.
 

 


YES To Release New Album, ‘The Royal Affair Tour, Live From Las Vegas,’ October 30

 
 
 
 
DATE:            SEPTEMBER 2, 2020
 
FROM:           MITCH SCHNEIDER/ANDREA FAULK, SRO PR
 
 
YES
TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM,
‘THE ROYAL AFFAIR TOUR, LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS,’
OCTOBER 30 ON BMG RECORDS
 

Album artwork by Roger Dean
 
Following the outstanding success of their 2019 American tour, YES will release a new live album, THE ROYAL AFFAIR TOUR, LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS, through BMG Records. The release date of the album is October 30, but it will be available exclusively through the YES Store starting October 2. Formats are: CD digi sleeve with a 12-page booklet; 2LP gatefold with 12″ booklet; and digital.
All YES concert tours are special events for their legions of fans, and “The Royal Affair Tour” was no exception, conceived as a wonderful celebration of the best of British progressive music. Guests on the tour were Asia (with YES keyboardist Geoff Downes and a special appearance by Steve Howe), John Lodge of The Moody Blues and Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy featuring Arthur Brown.
Of THE ROYAL AFFAIR TOUR album, Alan White says: “The Royal Affair tour album, being released in October, is a welcome new chapter in the wide expanse of YES live recordings. I hope you enjoy it.”
Guitarist Steve Howe adds: “Having the opportunity to bring together the band members in the development of a well-refined set of songs that captures the band’s true potential is simply an honor for me.”
The show features many classic tracks across the period 1970-1980. The set opened with “No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed,” the Richie Havens cover from YES‘ second album Time And A Word (1970). “Tempus Fugit” was taken from Drama (1980), Geoff Downes’ first as a member of YES, while “Going For The One,” “I’ve Seen All Good People” and “Siberian Khatru” are from some of YES‘ iconic mid-70s albums. The set included a rare live performance of YES‘ cover of Paul Simon’s “America”and John Lodge shared vocals on YES’ cover of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Soon-to-be YES drummer Alan White played on the original studio recording.
“The Royal Affair Tour” live set and album, recorded at the Hard Rock Hotel, Las Vegas, in July 2019, reaches a climax with two of the best-loved YES tracks, “Roundabout” and “Starship Trooper,” always a high note on which to close the set.
YES are Steve Howe (guitar) who joined in 1970; Alan White, drums since 1972; Geoff Downes (keyboards) who first joined in 1980; vocalist since 2011 Jon Davison; and Billy Sherwood, who played guitar/keyboards in the 1990s and was the late Chris Squire’s choice to take over bass/vocals in 2015, also played with Asia on this tour. Jay Schellen played additional drums.
“The Royal Affair Tour” also featured an exhibition of original art by Roger Dean whose artwork is synonymous having designed the iconic YES logo and the band’s best-loved album covers. Roger Dean recently painted THE ROYAL AFFAIR TOUR album artwork live on Facebook while also fielding questions from fans.
The 26-date “The Royal Affair Tour”and YES‘ performances were critically acclaimed:
 
“Yes proved again that they are, after all these years, still the kings of progressive rock.”Charlie Steffens, Vintage Rock, 8/5/19
 
It was a unique night of rock music history that has endured for half a century.”L. Paul Mann, Grateful Web, 8/6/19
 
As always, YES put on a magical show and took the crowd on a journey through their hits.”Alex Kluft, Music Connection, 8/5/19
 
The band sounded great and had brilliant visuals to accompany the songs. Sherwood’s bass playing is perfectly suited to capture the essence of the late Chris Squire while Geoff Downes and Steve Howe are still at the top of their games. Vocalist Jon Davison… looks extremely comfortable on stage, hitting each note with ease.”Roie Avin, The Prog Report, 7/15/19
 
The Royal Affair Tour – Live in Las Vegas track listing:
1. No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed
2. Tempus Fugit
3. Going For The One
4. I’ve Seen All Good People
5. Siberian Khatru
6. Onward
7. America
8. Imagine
9. Roundabout
10. Starship Trooper
 
Recorded live at the Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel, Friday, July 26,2019, THE ROYAL AFFAIR TOUR, LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS was mixed by Billy Sherwood and is released by BMG Records. Customers who order via the YES Store will receive their albums on October 2 with the album on general release starting October 30.
 
About Yes
For half a century YES have been one of the most innovative, influential and best-loved bands in rock music history and consistently at the fore-front of the progressive rock movement. Formed in 1968 by Jon Anderson and the late, and much-missed, Chris Squire, their 1970s albums The Yes Album, Fragile, Close To The Edge, the triple live album set Yessongs, Tales From Topographic Oceans, Relayer and Going For The One were ground-breaking in musical style and content. Their music also became synonymous with artist Roger Dean whose distinctive YES logo design and artwork adorned the lavish gatefold presentation sleeves of many YES albums.
With sales of over 50 million records, the Grammy-award winning YES were inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2017, where they performed Roundabout from the album Fragile and the FM radio-friendly Owner Of A Lonely Heart from the 1985 album 90125.
 
 
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HARRY SHEARER Releases Fifth Song In Donald Trump Series: “Alabama”

 
 

 

DATE:      AUGUST 28, 2020
 
FROM:     MARCEE RONDAN
 
 
THE SIMPSONS AND SPINAL TAP STAR
HARRY SHEARER
RELEASES FIFTH SONG IN DONALD TRUMP SERIES
ALABAMA
 
 
 
“Alabama
You’re never out of my thoughts
Whether you sleep in King-Sized
Or on donated cots
That first rally started me on this incredible path
Alabama”
 
#DonaldTrumpSong
 
 
Today, HARRY SHEARER releases the fifth track in his Donald Trump song series, which runs with a song a week throughout this summer and autumn. “ALABAMA” is the latest addition to the cycle, which has the star of “The Simpsons” and “Spinal Tap” performing as Trump, singing about various aspects of the presidency to date. It follows the old-school R&B anthem to Jared Kushner SON IN LAW”; the disco/plaintive folk number celebrating Trump’s consistent inconsistency in his approach to the pandemic “COVID-180“; VERY STABLE GENIUS,a low-power power-ballad, in which the Leader of the Free World vaunts his self-proclaimed intellectual prowess combined with his calm and balanced disposition; and “STORMY DANIELS,” a romantic ballad of passion, power and pay off.
 
“ALABAMA” is a southern rock style tribute to the southern state. A couple of hurricane seasons ago, the president showed a map of a predicted storm track, which included an addition: a Sharpie-drawn extension of the storm’s possible track to Alabama. A controversy ensued when the Weather Service disavowed the “Sharpie track.” Since the state was the site of the first rally of the 2016 Trump campaign, the song spotlights the special place Alabama appears to have in the President’s “heart.”
 
HARRY SHEARER says of “ALABAMA”: “The trouble with official hurricane forecast maps is that they don’t often include Sharpie additions. When it’s the state that gave your presidential campaign its kickoff, a Sharpie warning is the least you can do.”
 
With music and lyrics by Shearer, “ALABAMA” also has “The Simpsons” star on vocals as Donald Trump. He is joined by CJ Vanston on backing vocals, keyboard and other instruments, Howard Levy on harmonica, Mark Bonilla on guitar and Toss Panos on drums.It is released by Twanky Records.
 
HARRY SHEARER has vocally portrayed every U.S. president of his lifetime. Donald Trump is the third he has portrayed physically, having previously played Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan on screen.
 
The first song in the Donald Trump series, “SON IN LAW” was released on July 31. The song is an old-style New Orleans R&B number depicting Donald Trump in praise of his son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The video of the track uses ground-breaking motion-capture animation to portray the U.S. President lionizing his senior advisor and husband of his daughter Ivanka. At one point it shows the spookily real Trump with his hand casually hovering over the nuclear button on his desk in The Oval Office, whilst extolling the virtues of his daughter’s curves.SON IN LAW” features New Orleans musicians David Torkanowsky of The Astral Project and Stanton Moore Trio on piano and organ, The Metres star George Porter, Jr. on bass, Raymond Weber of Dumpstaphunk on drums, leading saxophonist Brad WalkerScott Frock of Delfeayo Marsalis’ Uptown Jazz Orchestra, on trumpet, and one of New Orleans’ top trombonists Jon Ramm.  The track is mixed by long-time Harry Shearer musical collaborator C J Vanston at The Treehouse North Hollywood and produced by David Torkanowsky.  The video was conceived and produced by Harry Shearer with Matt Hermans of The Electric Lens Company in Sydney, Australia.  The On-Set Producer was Harry’s long-time collaborator, cinematographer Matthew Mindlin.
 
“COVID-180,” the second song, which was released on August 7, has “The Simpsons” and “Spinal Tap” star as the Trump, alternating stanzas of pumped-up disco and plaintive folk rock to represent the alternating “up” and “down” approaches taken to the pandemic by the president. “COVID-180features SHEARER on vocals in an eerily accurate impersonation of the President of The United States.  He is joined by Sharlotte Gibson and CJ Vanston on backing vocals, Marc Bonilla on guitar, Toss Panos on drums with CJ Vanston on piano, synths and all other instruments. “COVID-180was mixed by CJ Vanston at The Treehouse, North Hollywood CA and mastered by Peter Doell at Aftermaster.
 
“VERY STABLE GENIUS,” the third song, which was released on August 14, is a low power power ballad, in which the Leader of the Free World vaunts his self-proclaimed intellectual prowess combined with his calm and balanced disposition. With vocals by Shearer as Trump, it has CJ Vanston on backing vocals, Marc Bonilla on guitar, Toss Panos on drums, with CJ Vanston on piano, synths and all other instruments.
 
The fourth song, “STORMY DANIELS,” released on August 21, is a soothing song of love and self-pity which has the current occupant of The White House praising his former amour’s ample assets whilst bemoaning how his own assets were wasted in buying her silence. Shearer‘s Trump is joined by CJ Vanston on piano, strings and bass and Greg Bisonette on drums. The trumpet and string arrangement is by CJ Vanston.
 
HARRY SHEARER says of the series of Trump themed songs, which will be released on a weekly basis over the next seven weeks:
 
“My Donald Trump is almost as eager for
continued public attention as the ‘real’ Trump.”
 
About Harry Shearer:
Actor…author…director…comedian…musician…political satirist…multi-media artist…radio personality…record company owner…and one of the best “voices” in the business (just ask “THE SIMPSONS”), HARRY SHEARER is a comic personality and modern-day renaissance man.
 
For the past three decades he has enjoyed enormous success and planted the fruits of his talents in the heads of millions worldwide thanks to his voice work for “THE SIMPSONS,” where he plays a stable of characters: most notably Mr. Burns, Smithers, and insufferable neighbour Ned Flanders.
 
Movie audiences will know SHEARER best for his collaborations with Christopher Guest and friends. The most famous of these is the granddaddy of all mock-umentaries, “THIS IS SPINAL TAP” (with Rob Reiner and Michael McKean). The film revealed the concepts of spontaneously combusting drummers and amps that go up to eleven. Spinal Tap–the band have enjoyed worldwide success performing live and in 2007 stole the show at the LIVE EARTH concert at Wembley, London. In 2009 Harry, Christopher and Michael reunited to tour an acoustic version of Spinal Tap songs as themselves in the UNWIGGED AND UNPLUGGED tour (which is available of DVD) and returned as Derek Smalls, Nigel Tufnel and David St. Hubbins to play Glastonbury and Wembley Arena with the volume turned up to eleven. Other Guest collaborations have included, “A MIGHTY WIND” and “FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.” In 2017 SHEARER appeared in the film “FATHER FIGURE,” with Glenn Close, Ed Helms and Owen Wilson.
 
Shearer’s other film credits include “REAL LIFE” (co-screenwriter), “THE RIGHT STUFF,” “PORTRAIT OF A WHITE MARRIAGE” (director), “THE FISHER KING,” “GODZILLA,” “THE TRUMAN SHOW,” “SMALL SOLDIERS” and “DICK.” He has been a regular cast member on “SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE” twice and, In 2001, wrote and directed his first feature film, “TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC,” a lightly fictionalized satire of the summer retreat of America’s financial and political elite. In 2010 SHEARER wrote and directed “The Big Uneasy,” a documentary feature about the investigations into the causes of the 2005 flooding of New Orleans. The film has been selected for numerous film festivals and has won multiple awards including The Golden Eagle Award and The Visionary Award at The DC Independent Film Festival.
 
In 2013 SHEARER created a ground-breaking TV comedy drama series based on real-life recordings from President Nixon’s Oval Office. Written by and starring SHEARER as Richard Nixon, “NIXON’S THE ONE” is made by one of the most respected and prolific UK TV production companies, Hat Trick and was broadcast to great acclaim on Sky Arts.
 
In 2014 he starred opposite Maureen Lipman in both the West End and on a national UK tour of Oliver Cotton’s acclaimed play “DAYTONA.”
 
HARRY SHEARER is also known for his bitingly satirical songs and impersonations. He was nominated for a Grammy for his CD SONGS POINTED AND POINTLESS. His album SONGS OF THE BUSHMEN (also Grammy nominated) was an incisive musical impeachment of the Bush administration with impersonations in song of the likes of Cheney, Rumsfeld and Colin Powell. In 2009 he released GREED & FEAR–a searing satirical attack on Wall Street in the wake of the world economic meltdown. In the autumn of 2012 he released CAN’T TAKE A HINT, an album of duets featuring the like of Jamie Cullum, Jane Lynch, Fountains of Wayne, Dr John, Rob Brydon and others. SHEARER‘s musical collaborations with his wife singer/songwriter Judith Owen led to the launch of Courgette Records (a nod to the infamous airport scene from THIS IS SPINAL TAP). SHEARER and Owen have recently returned from a critically acclaimed tour of Australia to debut THIS INFERNAL RACKET, a collaborative comedy and music exploration of fame, celebrity, politics, religion and relationships.
 
In July 2017, at a ceremony in Nashville, SHEARER was honoured by National Music Council with American Eagle Award in recognition of his contributions to American and Global Musical Culture as a Writer, Humorist, Musician, Composer, Social Commentator and tireless advocate for the rights and fair treatment of Music Creators in the United States and throughout the World.
 
In 2015 Shearer wrote and presented the BBC Radio 4 documentary, NEW ORLEANS–THE CRESCENT AND THE SHADOW, which was broadcast to mark the tenth anniversary of the flooding of the city that took place following Hurricane Katrina.
 
A child of Hollywood, Shearer made guest appearances on a variety of A-list television series while still in his teens. Credits include “THE JACK BENNY PROGRAM,” “GENERAL ELECTRIC THEATRE” and “ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS.” He was cast and appeared in the pilot of “LEAVE IT TO BEAVER” as the original Eddie Haskell. His parents, not realizing that the show could be picked up were horrified when it was and removed him so he could attend school.
 
He attended UCLA as a political science major, where he edited and wrote for the school humor magazine. He pursued graduate work at Harvard University and served a political internship in Sacramento before turning to freelance journalism, most notably covering the Watts riots for Newsweek. In 1968, Shearer auditioned for a satirical news team at KRLA-AM called The Credibility Gap. The crew developed a fanatical following, engaging in guerrilla comedy actions like alternative live running commentaries to the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena. The classic Gap lineup including Shearer, future band mate Michael McKean, David Lander, and Richard Beebe began to play local clubs and eventually recorded a number of hilarious – and now scarce–albums, including A GREAT GIFT IDEA, THE BRONZE AGE OF RADIO and FLOATS.
 
SHEARER collaborated with writer Tom Leopold and composer Peter Matz to create the book and lyrics for an original musical film about J.Edgar Hoover titled “HERE COMES J EDGAR” now in development.
 
A published novelist (NOT ENOUGH INDIANS), exhibited artist (TELETHESIA at the Fullerton Museum Center and WALL OF SILENCE at MOCA) and celebrated broadcaster (his satirical sandbox LE SHOW, which has recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, is heard weekly on stations around the world), SHEARER is a multi-talented entertainer, artist and communicator. His writing has been published in, among other periodicals, the New York Times, Film Comment, and the New York Review of Books.
 
His good friend and colleague, Derek Smalls, recently released his first solo record since the dissolution of Spinal Tap, SMALLS CHANGE (MEDITATIONS ON AGING). The record features guest performances by the cream of rock artists (Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Donald Fagen, David Crosby, Rick Wakeman among many others). The live show supporting the record LUKEWARM WATER LIVE received its world premiere in New Orleans 2018, featuring the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and was followed by a special concert 2019 which featured an array of guest talent including, Steve Vai, Steve Lukather, Dweezil Zappa, Paul Shaffer and Tenacious D (Jack Black, Kyle Gass) as well as live link ups with Donald Fagen, Jane Lynch, The Snarky Puppy Horns and The Budapest Symphony Orchestra. In November this year, Derek staged LUKEWARM WATER LIVE at The Wiltern Los Angeles in a live concert that featured Billy Idol, Steve Lukather, Waddy Wachtel, Dweezil Zappa, Paul Shaffer and Judith Owen as well as live link up performances from a star-studded list that included keyboard legend Rick Wakeman.
 
Twanky Records was co-founded by Harry Shearer and Judith Owen in 2013 as the recording label to release their personal recording projects.  The company has since established itself globally with local representation in over twenty countries and distribution via Absolute Label Services alongside Amped/Alliance/AWAL for USA and Canada. Judith Owen’s internationally critically acclaimed that have been released under the label comprise Ebb & Flow (2014) – “One of the albums of the year” – The Independent – UK,  Somebody’s Child (2016) and redisCOVERed (2018) – both “Top 100 Albums Of The Year” The Sunday Times –  UK. Twanky Records – We’re Behind You, Inc is based in California USA.
 
Spearheaded by wunderkind Matt Hermans, Electric Lens Company is a studio and creative laboratory featuring a collective of Australia’s brightest creative and technical artists. Their work has screened on the sails of the Sydney Opera House and they have conjured up virtual reality roller coasters, public installations, holograms and ground-breaking visual effects for international film and television projects.
 
 
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ROYAL BLISS Reveal Music Video for “Medication” Feat. SHIM (ex-Sick Puppies)

DT: AUGUST 28, 2020
FM: KELLY WALSH, SRO PR
ROYAL BLISS
RELEASE MUSIC VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE
“MEDICATION” FEATURING SHIM (ex-SICK PUPPIES)
OUT NOW
HARD ROCK GROUP
TO PERFORM VIRTUAL TICKETED SHOW
“LIVE AT PALE HORSE SOUND”
VIA STAGEIT TONIGHT (8/28) @ 7PM MDT
“Stay at Home order in effect.
Do not attempt to play music.
Do not attempt to play shows.
Do not rock out.”
– Introductory ‘warning’ message from “Medication”
Salt Lake City-based hard rockers ROYAL BLISS have revealed the official music video for their hard-hitting and catchy new single “Medication” featuring SHIM (ex-singer/songwriter of Sick Puppies). It was released digitally on August 14 via Explorer1 and is currently featured on Apple Music‘s Breaking Hard Rock playlist. Meanwhile, the music video premiered yesterday (August 27) on MXDWN which stated: “With its relatable message, powerful energy and accessible melodicism, this is a song that could easily find itself at home on modern rock radio and seems tailor-made for the live sets, offering plenty of opportunities for sing-alongs.” The band will celebrate its release with a ticketed virtual performance, “Live At Pale Horse Sound,” tonight at 7:00 P.M. MDT via StageIt, Limited tickets are on sale at www.stageit.com.
The “Medication” video, which can be seen streaming below, follows the band as they escape the confines of a mental asylum to perform and deliver their version of ‘medication’ and was directed by Robyn August (Bush, New Years Day, Papa Roach) and produced by Matt Phelan of Chisel Pixel Productions (www.chiselpixel.com).
“The basic concept was to have music be the medication,” says ROYAL BLISS front man NEAL MIDDLETON. “So, being locked up in strait jackets and breaking out of the hospital to get to our ‘real medication’ was the perfect mash up of ideas. All the scenes and shooting locations fell into place perfectly. It was great to watch the video concept come to life. Working with Robyn, Matt and their team was great! They really executed the video perfectly! And it was all done while following extreme Covid restrictions. “
“Writing the song with such a prolific songwriter like Shim was an amazing experience,” continues MIDDLETON. “We had a few songs in the hopper that never saw the light of day. Shim had a few songs as well that lined up perfectly with some of those song ideas. There were fireworks, whiskey, tears, hugs and long meaningful moments of silence. Then boom ‘Medication’ was born. I feel that for people like Shim and I, music truly is our medication, our therapy. I think the same goes for a lot of people in the world, and now more than ever people need a good strong dose. We are happy to be the doctors who fill that prescription.”
“I had the verse melody for ‘Medication’ for a while before I brought it to the band, but I could never finish it,” adds SHIM. “Within 20 minutes of showing it to the band, we had the chorus and that’s when I knew the song was going to be something special. We both spoke the same language. It’s a blessing to have a song coming out with the guys that comes from a personal place, yet is so meaningful on another level for everyone right now in these ‘unprecedented times’.”
ROYAL BLISS -
ROYAL BLISS – “Medication (feat. SHIM)” Official Music Video
Stream/download “Medication” here: https://ffm.to/royalbliss
ROYAL BLISS has been making their mark for years with a consistent work ethic of writing, recording and touring that has grown the quartet into seasoned and dynamic performers while building a dedicated fan base across the country. Their sound is molded from a variety of influences ranging from Led Zeppelin to Johnny Cash that encompasses the rock’n’roll vibe while being delivered by the distinctive deep and raspy vocals from Middleton. The band released their debut album Life In-Between in 2009 via Capitol Records, which charted at #1 in Billboard’s Heatseekers chart, and continued to independently release two full-length albums via their own label, Air Castle Records, before taking a brief hiatus.
ROYAL BLISS returned with a vengeance in 2018 and released the hit single “Devil with Angel Eyes” whose music video garnered over 2 million views and was followed by a headlining tour across the U.S. In 2019, the band took rock radio by storm with three singles from their self-titled release charting in the Top 40, including their latest single “Paranoid” breaking the Top 20 Active Rock charts at #19.
(Lineup (l-r): Jake Smith [drums],Neal Middleton [vocals], Taylor Richards [Guitar], Brian Hennesy [bass]; Photo Credit: Brian Medeiros)
For more information on ROYAL BLISS, please visit:
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER
For press opportunities, please contact:
SRO PR
Kelly Walsh – [email protected]
585-765-5162

Heavy Metal trio RUSTY EYE Return with First Music in Six Years with new album ‘Dissecting Shadows’; Reveal Music Video for debut single “This Is Permanent”

 

 

DT: AUGUST 28, 2020
FM: KELLY WALSH, SRO PR
 
MEXICO CITY-FORMED, LA-BASED HEAVY METAL TRIO
RUSTY EYE
REVEAL FIRST NEW MUSIC IN SIX YEARS ON NEW ALBUM
‘DISSECTING SHADOWS’
DUE OCTOBER 23
(EPOCHÉ RECORDS/BLOOD BLAST DISTRIBUTION)
BAND RELEASE MUSIC VIDEO FOR DEBUT SINGLE
“THIS IS PERMANENT”
FILMED AT JUMBO’S CLOWN ROOM IN HOLLYWOOD, CA
 
Marking their first new music since 2014 and sixth album overall, heavy metal trio RUSTY EYE have announced the October 23 release of their new full-length album DISSECTING SHADOWS on Epoché Records/Blood Blast Distribution. Their most ambitious recording thus far, DISSECTING SHADOWS encompasses their personal blend of prog, thrash, punk, blackened death, and synthwave, all squeezed through a keyhole of grindhouse grime that they define as “Rust’n’Roll.” The entire album celebrates exploitation cinema, Italian horror, and grindhouse, executed with topnotch musicianship, songwriting, and creative originality. The album’s fierce debut single, “This Is Permanent,” is out now across all digital platforms and was premiered alongside its music video yesterday (August 27) via Metal Injection.
This is Permanent” disguises darkness in catchiness. Its lyrics exam the perils of addiction, without being preachy; it plays with the idea of being under the influence” (whether that’sdrugs, the media, other people). The video was filmed at the infamous Jumbo’s Clown Room strip club in Hollywood, CA with director Alejandro Ordonez (Raubtier Productions). Watch it streaming below.

DISSECTING SHADOWS is available for pre-order on CD, Vinyl (Limited to 500 clear variants) and a special limited-edition branded boombox and cassette bundle at

http://store.rustyeye.com. Digital pre-orders can be found here
Rusty Eye - This is Permanent (Official Music Video)
Rusty Eye – This is Permanent (Official Music Video)

 

A fierce trio formed in Mexico City, whove made Hollywood their home, RUSTY EYE are hardworking DIY experts with blue-collar ethos and artisan flair. The band–fronted by co-vocalist/drummer Miss Randall and co-vocalist/bassist Mr. Rust along with guitarist Baron Murtland-have previously released five studio albums, a catalog of EPs, live records, singles, and music videos, all self-financed through their own Epoché Records. Their 2014 release ­Saca el Cobre, a cover album of Spanish language classics by Cuca, Amantes de Lola, Fobia, Caifanes, Café Tacuba, and Maldita Vecindad, caught the attention of famed Mexican musician and filmmaker Sergio Arau, who hired RUSTY EYE to be his backing band.
RUSTY EYE has been featured in music publications including Noisey, Revolver, Metal Sucks, Metal Edge, Music Connection, Highwire Daze, Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles, Zero Tolerance and Exclaim!, as well as receiving favorable press in the horror world with sites such as Rue Morgue and the defunct FEARnet.com. They’ve performed live at legendary West Coast venues like The Regent, Roxy, Whisky A Go Go and the Key Club.
 

Find out more about RUSTY EYE online:
 
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For press inquiries, please contact:
SRO PR
Kelly Walsh – [email protected]
585-765-5162

 


Alternative Folk artist JEREMY SQUIRES ‘Many Moons’ Due Friday 8/28 via Blackbird Record Label

DT: AUGUST 27, 2020

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER, KELLY WALSH
 

ALTERNATIVE/FOLK ARTIST
JEREMY SQUIRES
TO RELEASE
‘MANY MOONS’ ALBUM
THIS FRIDAY
(AUGUST 28)
VIA BLACKBIRD RECORD LABEL
AMID EARLY CRITICAL PRAISE


Album Artwork: Kelly Willis/Brainflower Designs
 
Squires’ latest has that close up production feel that will draw you into feeling like you are sitting right here listening live. The song [“Labyrinth”] itself is very fluid and flowy. Give it a listen and unwind.”
Americana Highways (8/6/20)
 
Many Moons lands well amongst the current state of things. Although the inspiration is more intimate, each of the ten-tracks covers relatable topics such as grief, loss, stress, mental illness, and change.”
American Songwriter (8/13/20)
 
On his 10th album overall, MANY MOONS, North Carolina-based alternative/folk artist JEREMY SQUIRES poignantly blends traditional folk roots with alternative-leaning sounds–an unexpected result which came about by the singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist having written the album on his analog keyboard. Due this Friday, August 28 via Manda Mosher‘s California-based Blackbird Record Label, MANY MOONS takes listeners on an emotive journey across its ten tracks-which JEREMY self-recorded (including vocals, guitars, bass, drums, percussion, piano and synth)-as he shares the struggles he’s endured throughout his life from dealing with his own mental health issues and its effect on those close to him to losing his mother to opioid addiction. His friend and fellow musician Whit Wright (American Aquarium, Jason Isbell, Kacey Musgraves) lends assistance on pedal steel guitar adding to the album’s unique sonic texture.
 
For MANY MOONS, JEREMY has received premiere coverage from outlets including American Songwriter (“Hazy“), The Bluegrass Situation (“Cast Spells“) and Americana Highways (“Labyrinth“). In the coming weeks, look for him to share a new music video for “Swan Dive” which is a deeply personal song that depicts his mother’s struggle with addiction and her untimely passing.
 
Read an in-depth Q&A with JEREMY on the making of MANY MOONS here.
 
Pre-order MANY MOONS digitally at https://ffm.to/1rlxrre. The album will also be available on CD which can be pre-ordered via Bandcamp HERE.

Credit: Shelley Ann Squires

 
For more information on JEREMY SQUIRES, please visit:
 
 
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AMERICA Mark 50th Anniversary With “Remembering,” A Newly Recorded Song + Lyric Video From Box Set Out 8/28

 

 

DATE: AUGUST 25, 2020
FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/ANDREA FAULK

AMERICA
SHARE LYRIC VIDEO FOR “REMEMBERING,”
A NEWLY RECORDED SONG FROM THEIR
8-DISC ANNIVERSARY BOX SET ‘HALF CENTURY’
DUE OUT AUGUST 28
 
Photo Credit: Henry Diltz
From left: Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell
The iconic multi-platinum-selling group AMERICA–co-founders GERRY BECKLEY and DEWEY BUNNELL–are celebrating their 50th anniversary with a newly recorded song, “Remembering.” To further mark the occasion,they’ve shared the lyric video for the song which is featured on the August 28 release of their ultimate 8-disc anniversary box set HALF CENTURY(America Records). Watch the video here which premiered (8/19) via Ultimate Classic Rock. Listen to “Remembering”here.
The song, written by BECKLEY, is classic AMERICA: harmony-rich rock, mixed with ringing guitars and pop smarts, with a compelling soul-searching lyric. “After 50 years together, this song is about the time spent looking back rather than looking forward…so much to be grateful for,” says BECKLEY, who produced and mixed the song with Jeff Larson. “Remembering” will also appear on AMERICA‘s next studio album in 2021Watch the promotional film.
HALF CENTURYwas produced for release and compiled by Jeff Larson for America Archives. It contains CD’s of rare archival studio recordings consisting of alternate mixes, demos and rehearsals, including several previously unreleased tracks ranging from 1970 – 2000. Along with the re-mastered Bremen 1973 in-studio performance and two CD’s of radio interviews providing an audio overview of the band’s career, along with a DVD of Super 8 “Home Movies” (1972-1975) to give fans a behind the scenes look at the early years of the legendary and enduring band.
Founding members, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell along with former band mate Dan Peek, met in high school in London in the late 1960s and quickly harmonized their way to the top of the charts on the strength of their signature song “A Horse With No Name.” AMERICA became a global household name and paved the way with an impressive string of hits following the success of their first #1 single. Gerry and Dewey are still making music together, touring the world and thrilling audiences with their timeless sound. From their formative years, AMERICA has been a band capable of transcending borders with its uplifting music and positive message. Embracing a rainbow of divergent cultures, America’s audiences continue to grow, comprising a loyal legion of first, second and third generation fans, all bearing testament to the group’s enduring appeal. 
Disc 1: London Demos 1970: All Previously Unreleased
Early demos from the Fall of 1970 of the trio preceding their first Warner Bros self-titled album. This set represents the most complete set to date from this era recorded between several iconic London studios of the time.
1) Children (Dick James Session)
2) Riverside (Chalk Farm)
3) Rainy Day (Polydor Studios)
4) Here (Chalk Farm)
5) Satan (Polydor Studios)
6) Bummer (Chalk Farm)
7) Sea of Destiny (Chalk Farm)
8) How Long (Chalk Farm)
9) James Holladay (Dick James Session)
10) Children (Chalk Farm) 
Disc 2: Bremen 1973 (Live on Air) – First Time Remastered Audio Release (Only previously available as a DVD)
An on-air live recording of the Trio from 1973, in-between the albums “Hat Trick” and “Holiday.”  This recording has been remastered for the first time and includes all the un-edited studio banter.
1) Ventura Highway (Live)
2) I Need You (Live)
3) Don’t Cross The River (Live)
4) A Horse With No Name (Live)
5) Moon Song (Live)
6) Lonely People (Live)
7) Wind Wave (Live)
8) Rainbow Song (Live)
9) Tin Man (Live)
10) California Revisited (Live)
11) Green Monkey (Live)
Disc 3: The Caribou Sessions 1976 – All Previously Unreleased
Rehearsals, outtakes, and demos from February1976 for the album “Hideaway,” recorded at the famed Caribou Ranch Studios in the Rockies – Nederland, Colorado.  These recordings provide a “you are there” experience as these songs were being formed on their initial takes. 
1 She’s A Liar (Outtake / Alternate Mix)
2 Amber Cascades (Alternate Early Mix)
3 Today’s The Day (Outtake / Walkthrough)
4 Lovely Night (Outtake / Take 1 Session
5 Hideaway PT 1 (Early Band Outtake)
6 Watership Down (Alternate Mix)
7 Letter (Alternate Mix)
8 Lovely Night (Buzz Studio Demo)
9 Jet Boy Blue (Outtake / Alternate Mix)
10 Who Loves You (Alternate Mix)
11 Caribou (Outtakes Montage)
12  I’m New In Town -(Buzz Studio Demo) 
Disc 4: The Poison Oak Sessions 1981: All Previously Unreleased
In 1981, between the album “Alibi” (1980) and “View From The Ground” (1982), the band recorded several songs at Dewey’s home studio, Poison Oak, in Northern California. This set contains early incarnations and alternate versions of songs released on later America albums as well as unheard songs that have been in the vault until now.   
1. Sailors and Seagulls (unheard song)
2. Look at Me Now (Early Version)
3. My Dear (Early Version)
4. Sometimes Lovers (Early Version)
5. All The People – Whole Wide World (Early Version)
6. Coming On  (unheard song)
7. Now I Want Your Love (unheard song)
8. Inspector Mills (Early Version)
9. China Sea  (unheard song)
Bonus Tracks:
10. Doesn’t The Time (unheard song)
11. Someday Forever  (unheard song)
Disc 5: The Alternate 90’s Plus: All Previously Unreleased
Alternate mixes from the albums “Hourglass” (1994) and “Human Nature” (1998) along with unreleased songs that came before, in-between and after these official releases.  
1. Young Moon (mix without inst. intro)
2. Call of the Wild (Alternate Early Mix)
3. Sleeper Train (Alternate Early Mix)
4. Ports of Call ((Alternate Early Mix)
5. Mirror to Mirror (Alternate Early Mix)
6. Whole Wide World (Alternate Early Mix)
7. Hope (unheard song)
8. The Hills Are Green (unheard song)
9. Horse (Interlude)
10. From A Moving Train (Single Version – edited shorter intro)
11. Wheels Are Turning (unheard song)
12. Town and Country (unheard song)
13 Moment To Moment (Alternate Mix)
14. Wednesday Morning (unheard song)
15. Oloololo (unheard song)
16. Overwhelming World (Alternate Mix)
17. Moment to Moment (Alternate Mix)
18. Hot Town (unheard song)
19. Pages (Alternate Early Mix)
20. If It Is The End (Previously Unreleased)
21. Remembering (New 2020)
Discs 6 & 7 America on the Radio – All Previously Unreleased
Various radio interviews stemming from 1974 – 2000’s which provides a narrative and unique overview to their long career.
America Radio Interviews and Promo – The 70’s
America Radio Interviews and Promo – The 80’s
America Radio Interviews and Promo – The 90’s – 2000’s
EXCLUSIVE TO THE BOX SET!
Disc 8 – America – Home Movies (DVD)- All Previously Unreleased
“Home Movies” is all previously unreleased footage from the bands personal archive. A collection of very, “fly on the wall” footage, these films provide an amazing insight into the band, shot between 1972 and 1975, showing behind the scenes footage of, “Hat Trick at Home”, early attempts at making home making of music videos and various on the road activities. These films give the viewer an amazing view of historical events as they unfolded. To any America fan, the ultimate access all area’s time machine. 
This DVD is EXCLUSIVE to this box set and will not be available beyond it.
Film 1) America Hat Trick at home 1: Rooftop Jam – Green Monkey – 1973 Kings Road, Los Angeles, CA
Film 2) America Hat Trick at home 2: Goodbye – 1973 Kings Road, Los Angeles, CA
Film 3) America Hat Trick at home 3: Sandman – 1973 Kings Road, Los Angeles, CA
Film 4) America Hat Trick at home 4: Hat Trick Rehearsal – 1973 Kings Road, Los Angeles, CA
Film 5) America: Bremen Behind The Scenes – 1973 (No Audio) Bremen, Germany
Film 6)  America: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion 1 – 1973 Los Angeles, CA
Film 7) America: Air Studios – London Misc. Footage – 1974 London, England
Film 8) America: Airplane High Jinx 1 – 1974 (No Audio) In the Air
Film 9) America: Airplane High Jinx 2 – 1975 In the Air
Film 10) America: Tour Plane Interview – 1975 On the Ground
For more information: https://www.musicglue.com/america
For more information on AMERICA, visit:
Read a Q&A with Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell here.
SRO Press Releases + Assets:
For press inquiries regarding AMERICA, contact:
SRO PR
Mitch Schneider (national)// [email protected]
Andrea Faulk (tour)//[email protected]
 
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HARRY SHEARER Releases “Stormy Daniels,” Fourth Song in Donald Trump Series

DATE:      AUGUST 20, 2020
 
FROM:     MARCEE RONDAN
 
 
‘THE SIMPSONS’ AND ‘SPINAL TAP’ STAR
HARRY SHEARER
 
Releases Fourth Song in Donald Trump Series
 
  
 
“Paid her from my own account
Just for max clarity
Something I never did
For any school or charity
Despite what you may hear
There’s no similarity
I never need advice
She’s not a slut
I just helped her keep her pie hole shut
Stormy Daniels
Such a thrill doesn’t come in granules
She’s naughty
And oh so nice”
 
#DonaldTrumpSong
 
 
Today (August 20), star of “The Simpsons” and “Spinal Tap,” HARRY SHEARER releases the fourth track in his Donald Trump song series, which runs with a song a week throughout this summer and fall. “STORMY DANIELS” follows the old school R&B anthem to Jared Kushner, “SON IN LAW; the disco/plaintive folk number celebrating Trump’s consistent inconsistency in his approach to the pandemic, “COVID-180“; and “VERY STABLE GENIUS,” a low-power power ballad, in which the Leader of the Free World vaunts his self-proclaimed intellectual prowess combined with his calm and balanced disposition.
 
Written and performed by SHEARER in the style of a mid-sixties romantic ballad, “STORMY DANIELS” is a lush string-filled ode to passion, power and pay-off. Singing himself a soothing song of love and self-pity, the current occupant of The White House praises his former amour’s ample assets while bemoaning how his own assets were wasted in buying her silence.
 
HARRY SHEARER says of “Stormy Daniels”:
What good is hush money when it buys so little hush?”
 
“STORMY DANIELS” features SHEARER on vocals as Donald Trump. He is joined by CJ Vanston on piano, strings and bass and Greg Bisonette on drums. The trumpet and string arrangement is by CJ Vanston. The music and lyrics are by Harry Shearer. It is released by Twanky Records.
 
HARRY SHEARER has vocally portrayed every U.S. president of his lifetime. Donald Trump is the third he has portrayed physically, having previously played Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan on screen.
 
The first song in the Donald Trump series, “SON IN LAW,” was released on July 31 and is available here. “SON IN LAW” is an old-style New Orleans R&B number depicting Donald Trump in praise of his son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The video of the track uses ground-breaking motion-capture animation to portray the U.S. President lionizing his senior advisor and husband of his daughter Ivanka. At one point it shows the spookily real Trump with his hand casually hovering over the nuclear button on his desk in The Oval Office, while extolling the virtues of his daughter’s curves.
 
SON IN LAW” features New Orleans musicians David Torkanowsky of The Astral Project and Stanton Moore Trio on piano and organ, The Meters star George Porter, Jr. on bass, Raymond Weber of Dumpstaphunk on drums, leading saxophonist Brad WalkerScott Frock of Delfeayo Marsalis’ Uptown Jazz Orchestra, on trumpet, and one of New Orleans’ top trombonists, Jon Ramm. The track is mixed by long-time HARRY SHEARER musical collaborator C J Vanston at The Treehouse North Hollywood and produced by David Torkanowsky. The video was conceived and produced by HARRY SHEARER with Matt Hermans of The Electric Lens Company in Sydney, Australia. The on-set producer was HARRY‘s long-time collaborator, cinematographer Matthew Mindlin.
 
“COVID-180,” the second song, which was released on August 7hasThe Simpsons” and “Spinal Tap” star as Trump, alternating stanzas of pumped-up disco and plaintive folk rock to represent the alternating “up” and “down” approaches taken to the pandemic by the President.
 
“COVID-180” features “The Simpsons” star on vocals in an eerily accurate impersonation of the President of The United States. He is joined by Sharlotte Gibson and CJ Vanston on backing vocals, Marc Bonilla on guitar, Toss Panos on drums with CJ Vanston on piano, synths and all other instruments. “Covid 180″ was mixed by CJ Vanston at The Treehouse, North Hollywood CA and mastered by Peter Doell at Aftermaster.
 
Very Stable Genius,” the third song which was released on August 14,is a low-power power ballad, in which the Leader of the Free World vaunts his self-proclaimed intellectual prowess combined with his calm and balanced disposition. With vocals by SHEARER as Trump, it has CJ Vanston on backing vocals, Marc Bonilla on guitar, Toss Panos on drums, with CJ Vanston on piano, synths and all other instruments.
 
HARRY SHEARER says of the series of Trump-themed songs, which will be released on a weekly basis over the next seven weeks:
 
My Donald Trump is almost as eager for continued
public attention as the ‘real’ Trump.”
 
About Harry Shearer:
 
Actor…author…director…comedian…musician…political satirist…multi-media artist…radio personality…record company owner…and one of the best “voices” in the business (just ask “THE SIMPSONS”), HARRY SHEARER is a comic personality and modern-day renaissance man.
 
For the past three decades he has enjoyed enormous success and planted the fruits of his talents in the heads of millions worldwide thanks to his voice work for “THE SIMPSONS,” where he plays a stable of characters: most notably Mr. Burns, Smithers, and insufferable neighbour Ned Flanders.
 
Movie audiences will know SHEARER best for his collaborations with Christopher Guest and friends. The most famous of these is the granddaddy of all mock-umentaries, “THIS IS SPINAL TAP” (with Rob Reiner and Michael McKean). The film revealed the concepts of spontaneously combusting drummers and amps that go up to eleven. Spinal Tap–the band have enjoyed worldwide success performing live and in 2007 stole the show at the LIVE EARTH concert at Wembley, London. In 2009 Harry, Christopher and Michael reunited to tour an acoustic version of Spinal Tap songs as themselves in the UNWIGGED AND UNPLUGGED tour (which is available of DVD) and returned as Derek Smalls, Nigel Tufnel and David St. Hubbins to play Glastonbury and Wembley Arena with the volume turned up to eleven. Other Guest collaborations have included, “A MIGHTY WIND” and “FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.” In 2017 SHEARER appeared in the film “FATHER FIGURE,” with Glenn Close, Ed Helms and Owen Wilson.
 
Shearer’s other film credits include “REAL LIFE” (co-screenwriter), “THE RIGHT STUFF,” “PORTRAIT OF A WHITE MARRIAGE” (director), “THE FISHER KING,” “GODZILLA,” “THE TRUMAN SHOW,” “SMALL SOLDIERS” and “DICK.” He has been a regular cast member on “SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE” twice and, In 2001, wrote and directed his first feature film, “TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC,” a lightly fictionalized satire of the summer retreat of America’s financial and political elite. In 2010 SHEARER wrote and directed “The Big Uneasy,” a documentary feature about the investigations into the causes of the 2005 flooding of New Orleans. The film has been selected for numerous film festivals and has won multiple awards including The Golden Eagle Award and The Visionary Award at The DC Independent Film Festival.
 
In 2013 SHEARER created a ground-breaking TV comedy drama series based on real-life recordings from President Nixon’s Oval Office. Written by and starring SHEARER as Richard Nixon, “NIXON’S THE ONE” is made by one of the most respected and prolific UK TV production companies, Hat Trick and was broadcast to great acclaim on Sky Arts.
 
In 2014 he starred opposite Maureen Lipman in both the West End and on a national UK tour of Oliver Cotton’s acclaimed play “DAYTONA.”
 
HARRY SHEARER is also known for his bitingly satirical songs and impersonations. He was nominated for a Grammy for his CD SONGS POINTED AND POINTLESS. His album SONGS OF THE BUSHMEN (also Grammy nominated) was an incisive musical impeachment of the Bush administration with impersonations in song of the likes of Cheney, Rumsfeld and Colin Powell. In 2009 he released GREED & FEAR–a searing satirical attack on Wall Street in the wake of the world economic meltdown. In the autumn of 2012 he released CAN’T TAKE A HINT, an album of duets featuring the like of Jamie Cullum, Jane Lynch, Fountains of Wayne, Dr John, Rob Brydon and others. SHEARER‘s musical collaborations with his wife singer/songwriter Judith Owen led to the launch of Courgette Records (a nod to the infamous airport scene from THIS IS SPINAL TAP). SHEARER and Owen have recently returned from a critically acclaimed tour of Australia to debut THIS INFERNAL RACKET, a collaborative comedy and music exploration of fame, celebrity, politics, religion and relationships.
 
In July 2017, at a ceremony in Nashville, SHEARER was honoured by National Music Council with American Eagle Award in recognition of his contributions to American and Global Musical Culture as a Writer, Humorist, Musician, Composer, Social Commentator and tireless advocate for the rights and fair treatment of Music Creators in the United States and throughout the World.
 
In 2015 Shearer wrote and presented the BBC Radio 4 documentary, NEW ORLEANS–THE CRESCENT AND THE SHADOW, which was broadcast to mark the tenth anniversary of the flooding of the city that took place following Hurricane Katrina.
 
A child of Hollywood, Shearer made guest appearances on a variety of A-list television series while still in his teens. Credits include “THE JACK BENNY PROGRAM,” “GENERAL ELECTRIC THEATRE” and “ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS.” He was cast and appeared in the pilot of “LEAVE IT TO BEAVER” as the original Eddie Haskell. His parents, not realizing that the show could be picked up were horrified when it was and removed him so he could attend school.
 
He attended UCLA as a political science major, where he edited and wrote for the school humor magazine. He pursued graduate work at Harvard University and served a political internship in Sacramento before turning to freelance journalism, most notably covering the Watts riots for Newsweek. In 1968, Shearer auditioned for a satirical news team at KRLA-AM called The Credibility Gap. The crew developed a fanatical following, engaging in guerrilla comedy actions like alternative live running commentaries to the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena. The classic Gap lineup including Shearer, future band mate Michael McKean, David Lander, and Richard Beebe began to play local clubs and eventually recorded a number of hilarious – and now scarce–albums, including A GREAT GIFT IDEA, THE BRONZE AGE OF RADIO and FLOATS.
 
SHEARER collaborated with writer Tom Leopold and composer Peter Matz to create the book and lyrics for an original musical film about J.Edgar Hoover titled “HERE COMES J EDGAR” now in development.
 
A published novelist (NOT ENOUGH INDIANS), exhibited artist (TELETHESIA at the Fullerton Museum Center and WALL OF SILENCE at MOCA) and celebrated broadcaster (his satirical sandbox LE SHOW, which has recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, is heard weekly on stations around the world), SHEARER is a multi-talented entertainer, artist and communicator. His writing has been published in, among other periodicals, the New York Times, Film Comment, and the New York Review of Books.
 
His good friend and colleague, Derek Smalls, recently released his first solo record since the dissolution of Spinal Tap, SMALLS CHANGE (MEDITATIONS ON AGING). The record features guest performances by the cream of rock artists (Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Donald Fagen, David Crosby, Rick Wakeman among many others). The live show supporting the record LUKEWARM WATER LIVE received its world premiere in New Orleans 2018, featuring the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and was followed by a special concert 2019 which featured an array of guest talent including, Steve Vai, Steve Lukather, Dweezil Zappa, Paul Shaffer and Tenacious D (Jack Black, Kyle Gass) as well as live link ups with Donald Fagen, Jane Lynch, The Snarky Puppy Horns and The Budapest Symphony Orchestra. In November this year, Derek staged LUKEWARM WATER LIVE at The Wiltern Los Angeles in a live concert that featured Billy Idol, Steve Lukather, Waddy Wachtel, Dweezil Zappa, Paul Shaffer and Judith Owen as well as live link up performances from a star-studded list that included keyboard legend Rick Wakeman.
 
Twanky Records was co-founded by Harry Shearer and Judith Owen in 2013 as the recording label to release their personal recording projects.  The company has since established itself globally with local representation in over twenty countries and distribution via Absolute Label Services alongside Amped/Alliance/AWAL for USA and Canada. Judith Owen’s internationally critically acclaimed that have been released under the label comprise Ebb & Flow (2014) – “One of the albums of the year” – The Independent – UK,  Somebody’s Child (2016) and redisCOVERed (2018) – both “Top 100 Albums Of The Year” The Sunday Times –  UK. Twanky Records – We’re Behind You, Inc is based in California USA.
 
Spearheaded by wunderkind Matt Hermans, Electric Lens Company is a studio and creative laboratory featuring a collective of Australia’s brightest creative and technical artists. Their work has screened on the sails of the Sydney Opera House and they have conjured up virtual reality roller coasters, public installations, holograms and ground-breaking visual effects for international film and television projects.
 
 
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