Wed, 02/20/2013 - 2:17 pm

Desert Noises are pleased to premiere the new video for “I Won’t See You” today on American Songwriter. The clip, edited by bassist Tyler Osmond during last month’s tour of the west coast, is comprised of Super 8 footage of guitarist Pat Boyer’s grandmother’s family vacation in the ‘40s.
 
“I Won’t See You” comes from Desert Noises’ newest I Won’t See You EP, released in November as a tour exclusive 7” via the band’s very own label Kid Canvas, and available now via iTunes and other major digital retailers. The trio of songs chosen for I Won't See You are confessional and honest reflections from the songwriters' own lives. Instrumentation was tracked live in Portland, Oregon at Type Foundry Studios with Graeme Gibson (Fruit Bats) and vocals were later recorded in the band's hometown or Provo, Utah at June Audio with Scott Wiley (Fictionist, Neon Trees).
 
Desert Noises make music for shouting into canyons, jumping into rivers, and as MTV Hive says – “perfect to reach for when on the road” – a fitting description for a band who basically lives on the road. Since the release of their debut LP Mountain Sea, the four adventurers from Utah Valley have honed their live show and impressed fans and journalists across the country. Don’t miss Desert Noises this Spring as they travel the Midwest on their way to SXSW and beyond.

DESERT NOISES // SPRING 2013 TOUR

2/22 | Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive | 8pm +
2/23 | Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court | 7pm +
3/1 | Colorado Springs, CO @ The Black Sheep | 8pm
3/2 | Lincoln, NE @ The Zoo Bar | 9pm
3/4 | Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room | 8pm
3/5 | Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews | 7pm
3/6 | Chicago, IL @ Schubas Tavern | TBD
3/7 | Newport, KY @ The Southgate House Revival | 7pm
3/8 | St. Louis, MI @ Plush | 7pm
3/9 | Columbia, MO @ Mojo’s | 8:30pm
3/11 | Kansas City, MO @ Recordbar | 9pm
3/12 | Norman, OK @ The Deli | 9:30pm ^
3/13 | Denton, TX @ Dan’s Silverleaf | 9:15pm
3/14 – 3/17 | Austin, TX @ SXSW | TBD
3/18 | Houston, TX @ Rudyard’s | TBD
3/19 | New Orleans, LA @ Hi Ho Lounge | 8pm
3/20 | Jackson, MS @ Hal & Mal’s | 6:30pm ^
3/21 | Birmingham, AL @ The Bottle Tree | 8pm *
3/22 | Atlanta, GA @ Smith’s Olde Bar | 8pm **
3/23 | Nashville, TN @ The Basement | 8pm *
3/24 | Asheville, NC @ Jack of the Wood | 8pm ^
3/26 | Charlotte, NC @ Evening Muse | 7pm ^
3/27 | Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506 | 8:30pm ^
3/28 | Richmond, VA @ The Camel | 8pm ^
3/29 | Philadelphia, PA @ Milkboy | 8:30pm
3/30 | New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge | 10:30pm ^
4/2 | Rochester, NY @ The Bug Jar | 7pm
4/4 | Grand Rapids, MI @ Founders Brewing Co. | 9:30am
4/5 | Toledo, OH @ Mickey Finns Pub | 9pm
 
+ w/ Hannah Georgas
^ w/ Hollis Brown
* w/ Giving Tree

Thu, 12/19/2013 - 1:38 pm

Improvisational roots rock band The Backyard Committee release their new single “Festival”, the title track off their recently released sophomore album, Festival. Led by industry veteran Mike Sembos, The Backyard Committee is a cross-genre musical collective that spans Americana, folk, and blues rock, all while capturing the spirit of jam bands like the the Grateful Dead and Umphrey’s McGee.

The Backyard Committee was born out of a collection of songs Sembos wrote while touring with his former band, The Alternate Routes. Seeking a new outlet for his work, Sembos recruited musicians local to his hometown of New Haven, CT to become a part of the rotating cast of instrumentalists that now make up the band. The band released their self-titled debut album in 2010, which was met with critical acclaim throughout the blogosphere. They have since made a name for themselves on the summer festival circuit, most notably with their performance at Hartford’s BOMBFest in 2011, where they performed alongside artists like Weezer, the New Pornographers and Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. Known for their unpredictable yet polished live shows, The Backyard Committeedemonstrates a talent for improvisation while maintaining structure and melodic direction.

Festival, the band’s second release, is a cohesive record that explores a multitude of genres including bluegrass, rock, and pop. Hailed by Oomph Music Blog as “a hodge-podge that actually works,” The Backyard Committee breaks the mold by shifting genres as often as they do band mates. Keep an eye out for more from The Backyard Committee and listen to their latest single “Festival”, out now!

Wed, 04/09/2014 - 1:00 pm

NYC-based jam band Jesus On The Mainline announces the release of their new single “War” from their debut EP, out summer 2014. Their sound is reminiscent of rock greats The Black Crowes and Janis Joplin, while simultaneously drawing influences from blues, jazz and funk classics like Stevie Wonder, Louis Armstrong and Quincy Jones.  This fifteen-piece band fuses jazz, soul, bluegrass and rock for an improvisational music experience that is unique from show to show. Listent to war here.

Lead Vocalist Andrew Neesley is an award-winning musician, who flavors this unique musical collective with his contemporary jazz background. He performed with the Grammy-nominated Bobby Sanabria Big Band, while receiving his advanced degree from the Manhattan School of Music. Jesus On The Mainline formed in 2012 in New York City and currently features a rotating cast of fifteen active members. Singers Mel Flannery, Amanda Brecker and Tim Emmerick compliment frontman Andrew Neesley’s lead vocals, while a sprawling five-piece instrumental section lead on the horns, percussion, keyboards, and guitars.

Neesley has played renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, The Apollo Theater and The Jazz Standard. He has also been awarded the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer’s Award, the Student Award for Best Engineered Studio Album for DownBeat Magazine and won the National Trumpet Competition. Jesus On The Mainline has played sold out shows at famous New York venues, such as Bowery Ballroom and Mercury Lounge. Keep an eye out for their debut EP that’s due this summer and stay tuned for more from Jesus On The Mainline!

Wed, 07/09/2014 - 8:42 am

NYC-based jam band Jesus On The Mainline announces the release of their debut self-titled EP, out today. Their sound is reminiscent of rock greats The Black Crowes and Janis Joplin, while simultaneously drawing influences from blues, jazz and funk classics like Stevie Wonder, Louis Armstrong and Quincy Jones.  This fifteen-piece band fuses jazz, soul, bluegrass and rock for an improvisational music experience that is unique from show to show.Lead Vocalist Andrew Neesley is an award-winning musician, who flavors this unique musical collective with his contemporary jazz background. He performed with the Grammy-nominated Bobby Sanabria Big Band, while receiving his advanced degree from the Manhattan School of Music. Jesus On The Mainline formed in 2012 in New York City and currently features a rotating cast of fifteen active members. Singers Mel Flannery, Amanda Brecker and Tim Emmerick compliment frontman Andrew Neesley’s lead vocals, while a sprawling five-piece instrumental section lead on the horns, percussion, keyboards, and guitars.Neesley has played renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, The Apollo Theater and The Jazz Standard. He has also been awarded the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer’s Award, the Student Award for Best Engineered Studio Album for DownBeat Magazine and won the National Trumpet Competition. Jesus On The Mainline has played sold out shows at famous New York venues, such as Bowery Ballroom and Mercury Lounge. Stay tuned for more from Jesus On The Mainline!

Tue, 10/07/2014 - 9:37 am

Americana rockers Buffalo Stack announce the release of their official music video for “Maryanne,” which comes off their debut self-titled album, available now. The soulful band draws influences from every era of Rock & Roll, blending shades of blues and roots. Buffalo Stack creates a harmonious sound when raw, emotional vocals are merged with powerful instrumentals which include guitar, keys and the fiddle.

Buffalo Stack began  in 2013 when now husband-and-wife Andy (lead vocalist, guitar) and Tania Stack (fiddle, vocals) met in Manhattan. They started a duo band called The Stacks, which soon became Buffalo Stack when Lee Falco (drums), Brandon Morrison (bass) and Connor Kennedy joined, adding their virtuosic playing to the band’s sound. The couple is no stranger to the music business; Andy has toured extensively throughout the US, Europe, South America and Canada playing at festivals like Bonnaroo, Montreal Jazz Festival  and North Sea Jazz Festival. Tania has recorded on the Avett Brothers’ album Magpie & The Dandelion, and continues to be a touring member of the band as the fiddle player.

Both Tania and and Andy have earned praise from notable media outlets. American Songwriter raves, “...Brilliant  fiddle  player  Tania  Elizabeth  was  one  of  the  highlights  of  the  festival.  Elizabeth  played a...fiddle  instrumental  that  was  no  short  of  mind-blowing..."  Of  Andy’s  instrumentals,  The  Working Musician says, “Andy Stack’s guitar playing impresses with its fluidity and gracefulness.” Stay tuned for more releases from Buffalo Stack!

Wed, 01/28/2015 - 9:20 am

Improvisational soul rockers Jesus On The Mainline will play Mercury Lounge on Friday, February 6th at 8:30 PM. The group features Natalie Cressman of the Trey Anastasio Band, so I know you won't want to miss this powerhouse troupe of virtuosos! JOTM's signature blend of funk and blues is reminiscent of rock greats like The Black Crowes and Joe Cocker. This 15-piece jam band has sold out famous NYC venues like Bowery Ballroom and Mercury Lounge. Their debut, self-titled EP is out now, stream it HERE. The band has earned accolades from Folk Radio UKCrave Online and more. Frontman Andrew Neesly has been nominated for numerous Grammys and is the recipient of a Downbeat Music Award. The band recently took the stage at Great Scott in Boston, leading Allston Pudding to say, "It was like watching an orchestra being conducted by a bearded madman and I loved every second of it." This summer, the band played to a packed house at Music Hall of Williamsburg, of which The Examiner hailed, "The performance was one to remember and a must see for New York locals who love great rock, indie, and funk - or all three combined."

WHO:  Jesus On The Mainline

WHERE: Mercury Lounge

ADDRESS: 217 E Houston Street

DATE: Friday, February 6th

TIME: 8:30 PM

TICKETS: HERE

Tue, 04/07/2015 - 10:13 am

Los Angeles based indie folk duo, We Are The West, announce their new EP, Regards, a complementary release to their on-going self-titled debut series, slated for November 4, 2014.  The 3 track EP includes singles “Hold On” and “Regards,” and embodies the band’s truly organic and genuine sound.

We Are The West was formed by Brett Hool (voice/guitar) and John Kibler (bass/voice) during a period of time spent between The Netherlands and Brooklyn.  Upon returning to California, their sound and performances have expanded to include an extended family of musicians, which has grown around their acclaimed underground parking garage concert series, with instrumentation ranging from pump organs and drums, to cellos and bass clarinets.

On stage, the duo has supported acts like Pete Yorn, Lord Huron, and Nicki Bluhm & the Gramblers, as well as chamber artists like Kinan Azmeh and Real Vocal String Quartet.  Their recordings have been featured in compilations for organizations such as Textura, Sound and Motion, and the Surfrider Foundation.  We Are The West receives praise from The Collective Powered by Vevo, In Your Speakers and more.  Folk Radio UK states, “pastoral vocals embrace poetic lyrics, this is gold dust to those seeking out an unhurried moment, a brief sojourn.”  Stay tuned for more from We Are The West.

LISTEN TO "REGARDS"

LISTEN TO "HOLD ON"

Fri, 11/13/2015 - 12:52 pm

Colorado-based jamband, Digg, are excited to announce the premiere of their debut album, There Are Days, on Grateful Web today Friday, November 13th. A  bonus track will premiere on Glide Magazine Monday, November 16th and the full length album will be available for purchase on iTunes November 20th.

The band has recently supported acts such as Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, The Main Squeeze, George Porter Jr. of The Meters, Orgone, Soul Rebels, The Revivalists, The Delta Saints and Mike Dillon. Digg uses their rock, funk and blues influences to create a mixed-genre sound. Formed in Denver, Colorado in 2012, the band quickly captivated the local music scene and began to expand their presence throughout Colorado. Songwriting Magazine describes their sound as “Red Snapper” blended with “Terence Trent D’Arby.”

Following their first tour through Montana in 2014, Digg marked their 100th live show in 2015 and kicked off their third tour this month! Stay tuned for more from the Denver-based group and be sure to follow them while on tour.

Tour Dates:

November 13th 9:00p.m.

Cervantes Other Side

Denver, CO

November 16th 7:00p.m.

The Frequency

Madison, WI

November 17th 8:00p.m.

Reggies

Chicago, IL

November 18th 8:00p.m.

Hideaway Saloon

Louisville, KY

November 19th 9:30p.m.

Preservation Pub

Knoxville, TN

November 21st 9:00p.m.

The One Stop

Asheville, NC

November 22nd 8:00p.m.

The Acoustic Coffeehouse

Johnson City, NC

November 23rd 8:00p.m.

The Hi-Tone Cafe

Memphis, TN

November 24th 9:00p.m.

Jackpot Music Hall

Lawrence, KS

November 27th 8:30p.m.

Oskar Blues

Lyons, CO

 

Sat, 04/23/2016 - 3:16 pm

New York City-based, blues rockers, The Rad Trads, announce their brand new LP, Must We Call Them Rad Trads, slated for release on May 13, 2016. The forthcoming project features first single, “Keith Richards & I,” which received praise from Paste Magazine, stating, “The song paints a playfully vivid picture of a band that views the “rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle” as a perpetual stream of wild nights and debauchery.” The album is the band’s debut on independent label, Dala Records, and is produced by label founder, Billy Aukstik, who has made his way in the music industry performing with Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaries. It was recorded in Harlem on an 8-track tape recorder and blends the band’s well-known juxtaposition of old school and new.

The Rad Trads are made up of Alden Harris-McCoy (vocals & guitar), John Fatum (vocals and percussion) Michael Fatum (Trumpet), Michael Harlen (vocals & bass), Patrick Sargent (saxophone) and Sam Crittenden (trombone). The group of men came together as close friends with a brotherly bond, after most of the band met while studying Jazz at NYU. They played their inaugural performance at the grand opening of the Uniqlo store in Herald Square. Always the last to close down a bar, they cite influences ranging from The E Street band, Joe Cocker and The Beatles.

Members of The Rad Trads have performed alongside Lee Fields & The Expressions, Deer Tick, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Red Baraat, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Jon Batiste & Stay Human and more. Collectively, they are set to hit the road on a European tour this February with shows in Switzerland and Italy. In addition, their first Asian performance at the 2016 Borneo Jazz festival in May. Stay tuned for more from the Rad Trads and their upcoming LP.

Pre-order:

Amazon pre-order: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DFXRITY/ref=dm_ws_sp_ps_dp

Dala Records pre-rder: http://www.dalarecords.com/store/must-we-call-them-rad-trads

​Bandcamp pre-order: http://radtrads.bandcamp.com/album/must-we-call-them-rad-trads​

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/the-rad-trads/id911907757

Mon, 05/09/2016 - 6:06 pm

New York City-based, blues rockers, The Rad Trads, announce their brand new LP, Must We Call Them Rad Trads, slated for release on May 13, 2016. The forthcoming project features first single, “Keith Richards & I,” which received praise from Paste Magazine, stating, “The song paints a playfully vivid picture of a band that views the “rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle” as a perpetual stream of wild nights and debauchery.” The album is the band’s debut on independent label, Dala Records, and is produced by label founder, Billy Aukstik, who has made his way in the music industry performing with Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaries. It was recorded in Harlem on an 8-track tape recorder and blends the band’s well-known juxtaposition of old school and new.

Check out the album premiere here:

The Rad Trads are made up of Alden Harris-McCoy (vocals & guitar), John Fatum (vocals and percussion) Michael Fatum (Trumpet), Michael Harlen (vocals & bass), Patrick Sargent (saxophone) and Sam Crittenden (trombone). The group of men came together as close friends with a brotherly bond, after most of the band met while studying Jazz at NYU. They played their inaugural performance at the grand opening of the Uniqlo store in Herald Square. Always the last to close down a bar, they cite influences ranging from The E Street band, Joe Cocker and The Beatles.

Members of The Rad Trads have performed alongside Lee Fields & The Expressions, Deer Tick, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Red Baraat, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Jon Batiste & Stay Human and more. Collectively, they are set to hit the road on a European tour this February with shows in Switzerland and Italy. In addition, their first Asian performance at the 2016 Borneo Jazz festival in May. Stay tuned for more from the Rad Trads and their upcoming LP.

Order:

Amazon pre-order: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DFXRITY/ref=dm_ws_sp_ps_dp

Dala Records pre-rder: http://www.dalarecords.com/store/must-we-call-them-rad-trads

​Bandcamp pre-order: http://radtrads.bandcamp.com/album/must-we-call-them-rad-trads​

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/the-rad-trads/id911907757

 

Fri, 05/20/2016 - 9:07 am

Brooklyn-based progressive funk band, The Phryg, announce the release of their new single, “Turn You Out,” premiering via Kingston Music. This is the second track from their upcoming self-titled studio album, set to release this July. The Phryg was recorded with Mike Gevaza at Continental Studios in Long Island, NY, and Shelter Island Studios in Manhattan, NY. Their fans, “Phrygsters,” drove this album to its full potential, thanks to an online fundraiser supporting the completion of it. Their first single, “Hello Miss,” establishes The Phryg as “hard to peg, with elements of hard rock, prog and jam, spread thick on a toast of funk. It was delicious to my ears.” -Sound and Silence Magazine

Collin Patierno (guitarist) met Bryan Walters (bassist), while studying together at Manhattan School Of Music. After Patierno continued his studies in Florida and returned to New York, he found Mike Kirchhofer (drummer) and Chris Plietz (keyboardist). Then in the Spring of 2013, The Phryg was born, releasing their debut EP, Midnight Snack, the next year. Collectively, they draw their sounds from all types of music, ranging from classical music to hard rock.

The Phryg recently made an appearance at the Jersey Shore Music Festival and Ohio Dreams, but can also be found performing regularly at esteemed music venues, including The Knitting Factory (NYC), the Studio at Webster Hall (NYC), Thunderbird Cafe (Pittsburgh) and Dante’s (Frostburg). The group has caught the attention of established publications, such as The Journal News and Pittsburgh Music Magazine. Catch them out on the road this June-July, where they'll be playing many shows, including their album release show on July 6th in NYC. Keep an ear out for the new, upcoming video from The Phryg!

Wed, 06/01/2016 - 2:09 pm

New York-based outlaw Americana artist, Kate Vargas, announces the release of her new music video, “Second Skin,” premiering via Elmore Magazine. True to her Southwestern roots, Vargas’s music “weaves through a riotous brew of folk, blues and rock, delivered by an undeniably unique voice… It's like the sound of a favorite bourbon come to life: gritty, but with loads of personality to spare." (The Deli Magazine)

The Berklee College of Music grad is an Albuquerque, New Mexico native who moved to New York in 2011 to kick off her solo music career. Vargas soon landed spots at various music festivals and gigs at national and international venues, including the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival in Ireland, London’s The Troubadour, Kex in Reykjavik, Iceland, The Mansion on O Street in Washington, DC and New York’s Midtown Live, where Vargas shared the stage with Southern gothic rocker, Lincoln Durham. “Second Skin” follows the success of her latest video for “Call Back The Dogs”, which according to (Folk Radio UK) “...certainly lives up to the standards of two of her personal influences - Nina Simone and Tom Waits.” The video for “Call Back The Dogs” was featured in a private screening at the Montclair Film Festival, alongside a documentary about Austin City Limits. Vargas’s previous singles, “'If You Love Me” and “Throw the Devil Back,” showcase the singer-songwriter’s ability to explore personal topics and deliver “meaningful lyrics in a raw package.” (Bored 4 Music) The singer-songwriter cites a range of influences for her unique sound and (Independent Clauses) insists, “Vargas delivers… with raspy, soulful, inspired folk full of banjo and danger.”

(The Bluegrass Connection) raves that Vargas “masterfully assimilates her southwestern storytelling into a medley of blues guitar, bass lines and faint banjo pluckings. It’s her throaty rock vocals, though, aged far beyond their actual years, that pierces through it all -- drawing you in for more." Let Vargas draw you into her story and don’t miss more “first-class dark Americana” (New York Music Daily) tracks from outlaw, Kate Vargas!

Wed, 06/29/2016 - 2:40 pm

Josh Ward Taylor releases lead single "Hummingbirds" from upcoming album, also titled Hummingbirds. "The breezy, singalong chorus conjures the repeating image of two hummingbirds flitting by...inevitable sense of nostalgia that often follows great love," remarks Elmore Magazine, who premiered the song.

Born in Baltimore, Josh Ward Taylor was brought up on the music from his parents' generation, from Springsteen to Dylan, sparking early interest in the guitar. Since 2006, he has independently produced 5 full albums. After a year-and-a-half residence in Athens, Georgia, Josh released the 2006, "Live at Eddie's Attic" containing 16 live acoustic songs recorded at the legendary venue. In May '06, he moved to NYC where he has since written and recorded 4 more independently produced albums. His most recent, Carolina Trees (2012)had two tracks hand-scouted by Big House Publishing. Dubbed, "a songwriter's songwriter" by Ishrat Ansari, owner of the legendary Greenwich Village music hot spot, Caffe Vivaldi, Josh WardTaylor has a style that draws from traditional folk to modern blues elements. He continues to frequent the New York City music scene and has years of new music to come on the horizon. Keep on the lookout!

 

Check out "Hummingbirds" HERE: https://soundcloud.com/joshwardtaylor/hummingbirds

Wed, 01/25/2017 - 6:51 pm

Des Moines-based, indie soul band, GoodcaT, share their video for title track, “To Eternity,” from their upcoming full length release. Impose Magazine premiered the video, describing it as a “...beautifully shot exploration of a garden through the eyes of children layered with gorgeous dance and movement. Contrasting light and dark, with the common thread of a layer of chiffon through both visuals bring about an intense idea of innocence lost” (Impose). Check out the full piece here. “To Eternity” is the title track and first single from their upcoming full length release, due out in March 2017.

GoodcaT was born out of a spontaneous jam session in the summer of 2012, when Nels Dovre and Mark Owens needed a break from the heat of Des Moines largest music festival, 80/35. Four months later, after many more jam sessions, GoodcaT had found a name, talented electric guitarist, Ben Dixon, and the rest of their five-piece band. Around this time Nels had a dream about subjective reality that would grow and become the basis for GoodcaT’s three album collection, And So…, Keep Sinking In and To Eternity. GoodcaT brings intense focus to every song, incorporating heady bass lines and lush soundscapes by means of acoustic guitar, violin and tasty spacious electric guitar effects over a dance pocket. With each track, GoodcaT’s musical mastery shines through with thoughtful orchestration and an unexpected fusion of genre. GoodcaT’s captivating live performances are said to get the audience members’ thoughts flowing and bodies grooving.

The band has spent the last four years producing these three albums, developing their brand, building a following in Des Moines and many surrounding mid-west cities. With the release of their upcoming album GoodcaT looks to expand their horizons with national tours and wide reach. Each component to the three part project focuses on existence within the concept time. And So…, the first installment of the project, is about releasing from the past and looking forward; Keep Sinking In, the second part, is about finding presence in the ever-now; and To Eternity, the final component, is about the singularity of all action existing in the same moment, displayed in the infinite cycles found throughout nature. Join us this time around as we gaze inwards and outwards, To Eternity.

For More Information:

Facebook / Website / Youtube / Twitter / Bandcamp

Tue, 02/07/2017 - 10:15 am

Brooklyn based indie artist & Matisyahu protege, Zeke Finn, shares his latest track, “Unicorn” from his upcoming self-titled EP. Baeble premiered the single, stating, “(it) sounds like a unicorn, if unicorns made musical sounds... And we know that sounds weird, but once you get a taste of the beat-centric electronics, magical synths, and dreamy melodies, you'll understand.” “Unicorn” marks Zeke’s first steps on his wanderlust, whimsical pop journey. The track is uplifting and dynamic, exploring the magic of comforting someone. Check out the full piece on Baeble here!

Raised in Ithaca, NY to beat artist parents, Zeke Finn grew up surrounded by open spaces and music. But when Finn discovered beatboxing in high school, he quickly became addicted to hip hop; it was then that Finn began to merge his love for hippie jam sessions with his passion for writing raw, heartfelt rap. He’s been hard at work since, collaborating and rapping with reggae/rap star Matisyahu, playing sold out shows at the Bowery Electric, Highline Ballroom, and Le Poisson Rouge and recording his upcoming 4-track EP. With engineering helmed by Stu Brooks (50 Cent, Lady Gaga, Dub Trio), the collection is a sprawling listen, covering ground in hip-hop, pop, ambient, reggae, and jam. Backed by blistering production and bright sounds, his newest release is a mix of deep introspective songs focused on place and identity. With a new video on the way featuring his mentor, Matisyahu, and more captivating music in store, Zeke Finn’s “Unicorn” is just the beginning.

LISTEN TO “UNICORN” HERE!

Fri, 05/12/2017 - 10:50 am

Positive-vibes-only, Reggae, Jam band, Light Warriors, are stoked to premiere their latest single “Rise Above” with AXS. The track acts as a force for unification and peace, making a powerful statement against the senseless gun violence that continues to grip our world. “Rise Above” fuses mellow but catchy, Reggae guitar hooks with raw lyricism to awaken and inspire listeners.

Eric Rabasca leads the charge for peace and positivity with Light Warriors, having recently liberated himself from the corporate grind in favor of mindful, spiritual music-making.

Rise Above" is a bare-knuckled response to the endless murder cycle and resulting family and community destruction by gun violence" - Eric Rabasca

With their upcoming album Raise the Frequency poised for release on June 2nd, Light Warriors are excited & ready for a busy summer. More music, videos and shows to come!

Upcoming Shows:

5/25 // Sofar Sounds // Washington, DC

6/2 // Greenpoint Gallery // Raise the Frequency Album Release Show // Brooklyn

6/3 // Sofar Sounds // NYC

6/28 // Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 2 // NYC

 

About Light Warriors:

Having been inspired by socially conscious music for decades, Erik Rabasca decided to quit his corporate job and commit to raising awareness about human rights issues through his art. By combining his love for free jazz, spirituality and reggae, Erik's upcoming album pushes boundaries and blends genre lines. With Erik's search to create a communal and progressive musical experience came Light Warriors.

The project began as a unifying force, using music as the primary and universal language that transcends clan, culture and nation. Light is what we all seek consciously or unconsciously, it’s the giver of life on earth and what the spirit channels for healing. In today’s onslaught of negativity and soul destruction, we need a Warrior mentality to remain positive and to continue seeking the lights of our lives.

Light Warriors Online:

Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / SoundCloud

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 7:05 pm

Virtuosic multi-instrumentalist, Crystal Bright, delivers a melancholy monster of a rendition of “You Are My Sunshine” in new video.  Her haunting take on the country standard debuts just in time for Halloween, and is sure to send a shiver down the spine.  The mournful elegy turns joyous expectation for this love song on its head.

Crystal Bright is an accomplished musician who blends a multitude of styles into her folky, eastern European sound.  The video stitches separately recorded vocal and accordion tracks into an intricately arranged and seamlessly edited audiovisual experience.  Viewers also get a look into the personality of the artist and her musical collaborators on stand-up bass and drums.

About Crystal Bright:

Crystal Bright & the Silver Hands, led by award winning singer/songwriter, ethnomusicologist, composer, multi-instrumentalist, Crystal Bright, has played over 700 shows from Canada to Austin, TX and New Orleans to Nashville the past 6 years sharing the stage with the likes of Beats Antique, Abney Park, Voltaire, Holy Ghost Tent Revival, The Love Language, Rising Appalachia, Larkin Grimm, Pearl and the Beard, and many more.  Bright performed with the North Carolina Symphony in 2011 on an arrangement of her song "Toy Hammer," and has performed at various festivals around the country (SXSW, Savannah Stopover, FloydFest, DragonCon, Midpoint Music Fest, The Steampunk World's Fair, The International Steampunk Symposium, Shakori Hills, and many others.) She took Runner Up for On the Rise at Floydfest 2013 for a return set in 2014, and was named Best Singer in 2012, Best Songwriter in 2014, and Best Musician in the Triad in 2015 by Greensboro's Yes Weekly.

Bright has an eclectic, haunting but yet whimsical, carnivalesque world folk sound, dubbed "kaleidophrenic cabaret." She plays accordion, musical saw, concertina, piano, Taiko drum, adungu (Ugandan harp), and various others, leaving people captivated with her operatic & soulful vocals and virtuoso command of her exotic instruments.

Wed, 12/13/2017 - 6:32 am

Sweltering husband-wife duo (and a drummer!), Year Of October, are excited to release their 3rd studio album, Trouble Comes, on Halloween exclusively via AXS. The album is in the spirit of Halloween, with tracks like “Watch It Burn” and its gloomy rhythm, fuzzy guitar sounds, and ominous vocals. Trouble Comes is a showcase of Year Of October’s unique, edgy, soul-rock sound. “We like to take influences from all genres of music,” said Phlecia to AXS. Hailing from Nashville, Year Of October boasts a Nashville-rock vibe, but in their own grungy way.  

Following the release of their critically acclaimed 2nd album Golden Days, the singer-guitarist duo, Phlecia and Josh, toured throughout Tennessee, Kentucky, and the South. They have built up a loyal fan-base, and have received raving media attention from outlets like No Depression, PRX.org, Country Fried Rock, and Guitar World. The release of their second single off Trouble Comes falls on Halloween.  Trouble Comes is a groovy, distortion-laced album that teeters between aggressive and soulful. Phlecia said of the new project, “We find inspiration in everything and I think if something is good then it doesn’t necessarily have to sound just like us to be a major influence.”

Listen to Trouble Comes here.

About Year of October:

Formed at University of Kentucky in 2010, Year of October is the passion-project of Phlecia and Josh Sullivan. Mixing their diverse influences of Led Zeppelin and The Beatles for Josh, and Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald for Phlecia, Year of October stands out due to their clawing Nashville-rock edge, and yet soulful, swirling vocals. Previously, the band has released debut LP Stories and sophomore album Golden Days. Year of October has played over 250 shows across the South, and has built up a devoted community of fans with their cohesive yet genere-elusive style. Check out their brand new album Trouble Comes!

Sun, 12/24/2017 - 4:47 pm

R&B-infused reggae songstress/guitarist, Leilani Wolfgramm, drops her latest single, “Live Wire,” which was produced by Wolfgramm, Fredro Odesjo (multi-platinum producer for Tohoshinki/TVXQ)  and Joshua Sadlier-Brown (John Legend, Gogol Bordello, Kelly Buchanan). Already making waves in her genre,she has shared the stage with Ziggy Marley, Incubus, Dirty Heads, Tribal Seeds, Sublime ft. Rome and New King. The track is slated for a film soundtrack, Paper Year, starring Eve Hewson(Bono’s daughter/The Knick) and Avan Jogia (Tut).  Jamsphere raves, “[Wolfgramm’s] voice isn’t matched by anyone else in pop right now, in terms of how she mixes high class elegance with lowdown and dirty grit.  She’s the devil and a queen all wrapped in one.”

An American Tongan singer-songwriter from Orlando, Fl, Wolfgramm was integrated into the musical world through dancing at several dinner luau shows at an early age, as her father was a dancer/choreographer at Disney World.  She started singing at age 9 after her mother introduced her to Patsy Cline and picked up guitar at age 14 when she was exposed to reggae through her brothers. She joined her brothers’ reggae band in 2012 and went solo in 2014. She released her first album that same year and was signed to Raleigh Music Publishing in 2016. Melding her diverse influences, Wolfgramm’s distinct sound mixes R&B with the island sound of dancehall, reggae, hip-hop and pop. She’s a magnetic live performer who captures audience's imagination with her sultry stage presence. Dealing with dark and taboo subjects, Wolfgramm reveals, "I write music to celebrate being alive. The good, the bad, the happy, the sad - all the lessons I've learned.” “Live Wire” is no exception; the track addresses the constant struggle (for women mostly) to be perfect, and covering the real parts of oneself to appear perfect.

her latest single, “Live Wire," title track of her new EP due out in early 2018. Leilani is slated for a national tour with The Green in the new year to celebrate the release of her new EP.

LISTEN TO "LIVE WIRE"

Sun, 02/11/2018 - 4:19 pm

R&B-infused reggae songstress/guitarist, Leilani Wolfgramm, drops her latest single, “The Trail,” from her upcoming album, "Live Wire,' which was produced by Wolfgramm, Fredro Odesjo (multi-platinum producer for Tohoshinki/TVXQ) and Joshua Sadlier-Brown (John Legend, Gogol Bordello, Kelly Buchanan). Already making waves in her genre, she has shared the stage with Ziggy Marley, Incubus, Dirty Heads, Tribal Seeds, Sublime ft. Rome and New King. “LiveWire” the album is a memoir. It deals with child abuse drug abuse and psychological abuse...religious subtext pushes the narratives highs and lows where the protagonist is found to be the antagonist as well. The concept of “live wire” comes from the loss of her dad.

An American Tongan singer-songwriter from Orlando, Fl, Wolfgramm was integrated into the musical world through dancing at several dinner luau shows at an early age, as her father was a dancer/choreographer at Disney World.  She started singing at age 9 after her mother introduced her to Patsy Cline and picked up guitar at age 14 when she was exposed to reggae through her brothers. She joined her brothers’ reggae band in 2012 and went solo in 2014. She released her first album that same year and was signed to Raleigh Music Publishing in 2016. Melding her diverse influences, Wolfgramm’s distinct sound mixes R&B with the island sound of dancehall, reggae, hip-hop and pop. She’s a magnetic live performer who captures audience's imagination with her sultry stage presence. Dealing with dark and taboo subjects, Wolfgramm reveals, "I write music to celebrate being alive. The good, the bad, the happy, the sad - all the lessons I've learned.” “Live Wire” is no exception; the track addresses the constant struggle (for women mostly) to be perfect and covering the real parts of oneself to appear perfect.

Fri, 08/03/2018 - 6:27 pm

No Dry County, better known as NDC, comprised of Trent Langford (Singer/Songwriter/Guitar/Keys), Matt Newsom (Drums/Vocals), Dub Wood (Bass/Vocals) and Bristen Phillips (Guitars/Keys), began in 2009, as an 80’s cover band. Developing a sound of their own, NDC released their debut EP Ella Rose in 2011 followed by their sophomore EP To Whom It May Concern in 2012 and debut full-length, The Night Before, in 2015. Fusing each member’s influences, including Ryan Adams, Kings of Leon, Hayes Carll, rock, metal, blues and country, "the resulting sound infuses Americana with classic rock, creating heartfelt music filled with lyrics about real life, real places, and real people...the kind of music that everyone can relate to." (KFLP) No Dry County has been honing their sound, performing over 100 dates per year.  Now, the group is set to release Panhandle Music this Spring.

Sat, 12/29/2018 - 2:16 pm

Revered guitarist/vocalist, JD SIMO, announces “You Need Love” from his upcoming, first solo record, OFF AT 11, due out March 1, 2019. The Chicago-born, Nashville-based recording artist channels classic sounds from Acid rock, traditional blues, folk, soul, to free form jazz, reinvigorating them into a kaleidoscope of sound for a new generation of music lovers. NPR declares, “SIMO sounds as if it comes to us straight from 1968.”

The songwriter is backed by drummer Adam Abrashoff (drums) and bassist Andraleia Buch. Debuting at number 4 on the Billboard Blues chart in January 2016, SIMO has been noticed by No Depression, Rolling Stone, Guitar Player, Relix, Guitar World and NPR, among others. The band was featured on NPR's World Cafe which was broadcast nationally after the initial broadcast in late January on Philadelphia's WXPN.  The band started its first full national tour in January 2016 bringing them to over 37 states and playing over 80 shows.

With his band, SIMO, JD and cohorts have gained a solid fan following from touring and opening for bands such as Blackberry Smoke, The Gregg Allman band, Warren Haynes, Tommy Emmanuel and others. They have played Bonnaroo, Warren Hayne’s Christmas Jam and Mountain Jam since the formation of the band in 2010.

The solo endeavor’s lead single, “You Need Love,” offers a taste of SIMO’s influences, including the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Captain Beefheart, Miles Davis and the Allman Brothers to blues guitarists such as Lightnin’ Hopkins and BB King. SIMO explains, “There’s an underlying theme of LOVE that permeates the album. Both outward love but also inner and self-love. These days, everything is so heavy, but I just want to point out some joy, love and deep passion; in this world, we all share that spirit. OFF AT 11 does that.”

On OFF AT 11, one can almost touch the ghosts of the brilliant, wounded masters of the blues who have shaped and guided his art and craft.  SIMO's brand of blues is like the surge of sound from a classic car, say a Chevy V-8. It starts with a roar, then a rumble. Then a low, throaty hum. The explosion of the gas in the cylinders are like emotional triggers - liberating, visceral. Intense.

SIMO has channeled life experience into a conversation about life experience. "There isn't a single way to express the blues, thank God," he chuckles. "You can be joyful or plaintive, all in the same song. And there are always two sides of me when I play, because I'm eternally obsessed with both. There's my love for obscure black music from the Forties and Fifties, and how I choose to relate to them. There's also my trippy, psychedelic side, the possibilities that the Dead and the Allmans present. Or where John McLaughlin points me on Bitches Brew." He elaborates, "The blues, it's grown folk’s music. "The blues is not for kids. Blues to me, it’s an art form. It's not supposed to be flashy. And that fools a lot of people."

The recording of this rocking, blues driven, electric tour de force, was recorded over a three-day period in the summer of 2018; “Our next summer of love,” says SIMO. Recording during a brief break in touring including SIMO’s first shows as a newly cultivated member of Phil Lesh and Friends, he and his band recorded these musically dense and inspiring tracks in a “groovy space” to lay down something authentic, filled with fun and no edits, no tricks.  “Just honesty and a tape machine” he continues.

Produced by SIMO in association with his co-manager Michael Caplan, and due to be released this year, OFF AT 11 consists of 8 tracks that are laid out on the record like a musical journey through gifted guitar playing and singing, incredible rhythm section arrangements and lyrics that convey that “all the feels” momentum.

SIMO will be embarking on a US tour in early 2019 before European dates throughout the Spring.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

JAN 23 @Daryl's House Club

Pawling, NY  

JAN 24 @Rockwood Music Hall

New York, NY

JAN 25 @The Lost Horizon

Syracuse, NY

JAN 27 @The Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub

Cambridge, MA

JAN 29 @City Winery DC

Washington, DC

JAN 30 @Sellersville Theater

Sellersville, PA

JAN 31 @Hard Rock Cafe

Pittsburgh, PA

FEB 1 @Beachland Ballroom & Tavern

Cleveland, OH

FEB 2 @Callahan's Music Hall

Auburn Hills, MI

FEB 6 @High Noon Saloon

Madison, WI

FEB 7 @Vaudeville Mews

Des Moines, IA

FEB 8 @Martyrs'

Chicago, IL

FEB 16 @Barley's Taproom and Pizzeria

Knoxville, TN

Fri, 05/24/2019 - 10:01 am

Washington DC-based, soul/funk project, Rhymes Band ft. Summer Dennis, announce the dynamic and sultry video, “Storm,” from their latest release, Faith and Proof. Rhymes have acquired media accolades, including appearances on Great Day Washington and Blog Talk Radio, who gushes, “Summer has a warm welcoming vocal style that celebrates her love of singing not just as an artist but as someone who truly loves the music.”

“Storm” is an anthem for  those who have combated abusive relationships in the past and surmounted these tremendous difficulties. The volatile and raw emotions conveyed through the lyrics and vocalisation of the song are only enhanced by the visual components of the “Storm” music video.

The video rapidly introduces our cast of characters, one of whom is lead singer Summer Dennis, and the video proceeds in medias res as we see the couple match the weather of the turbulent, tropical location. The video persists fearlessly showing the true emotional impact this ruinous relationship has left on Summer Dennis’ character. However, as the song begins to take up some of it’s hopeful tone, the viewer is provided with quick glimpses of Summer Dennis’ character looking composed and confident. This woman is who the viewer is left admiring, as she undertakes a new, caring relationship with a different and devoted man.

Enjoy their first album Faith and Proof on all music platforms and stay tuned for more announcements and new releases throughout the remainder of 2019 as Rhymes take the scene by storm.

ABOUT RHYMES FT. SUMMER DENNIS:

Summer Dennis is a classically trained musician and vocalist with an extensive vocal range, extending from first soprano through alto. She created  as a platform to bolster her lush and spirited musical creativity and high energy performance to inspire listeners throughout the nation.

Rhymes is an all-male band fronted by a powerful woman, including co-writer Bill Moore, and vocalist Kam Jones, and percussionist Paul DeCastro. They work together with Summer to compose music that displays power, independence but also femininity. Rhymes’ music and performances have cross-over audience appeal and combine elements of rock, R&B, latin, pop and reggae.