In 2012, on the dawn of a new era commemorated by the end of the Mayan calendar, a tradition was born in the jungles of Tulum. Tribes of party people from all corners of the earth set out to gather in a new way - bringing with them their own unique perspectives, all seeking an opportunity to reflect on the year past and renew a shared energy born from the collision of ancient and modern, creative and hedonistic. The result was Day Zero, a party for the ages bred from the mind and team of Damian Lazarus.

On Monday, August 19, Alligator Records artist Chris Cain will premiere the new video for his song, Blues For My Dad. The song is from Cain's celebrated new release, Good Intentions Gone Bad. The new album finds Cain operating at the absolute peak of his powers, with producer/studio whiz/multi-instrumentalist/video producer (and guitarist for Rick Estrin & The Nightcats), Christoffer "Kid" Andersen pushing him to new heights every step of the way.
 

Fruition, the dynamic five-piece American Roots band from Portland, Oregon, is gearing up for an exciting chapter. With their new album How to Make Mistakes on the horizon, an extensive American tour, and a special appearance at the Musical Sojourn in Buenos Aires—all kicking off in August—the band is poised for a busy and exhilarating stretch ahead. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mimi Naja, the band's co-founder, singer, and songwriter, to discuss the new record and the upcoming tour.

A party ten years in the making, Decadence Arizona: Age of Indulgence celebrates a 'Decade of Decadence,' the iconic New Year's Eve music festival celebration, with the release of its phase 01 lineup.  As one of the country's most notable New Year's Eve festival celebrations and Arizona's largest New Year's events, Decadence Arizona's indulgent lineup- and a hint of the decadent dance lineup still to come include electro house godfather and dance music royalty collaborator Deadmau5; Aussie house music producer Dom Dolla; du

The Infinity Music Hall in Hartford, CT hosted Spafford for a high-flying night of jams on Saturday. This weekend marked the start of Fall Tour and the return of guitarist and lead member Brian Moss to the stage, and what a return it was with some incredible improvisational performances by the band.

Beneath the fading light of an August evening, where the Colorado skies clung to the last vestiges of day and the mountains loomed like sentinels of the ancient past, Tyler Childers took his place before a nearly overflowing crowd at Folsom Field. As darkness gathered, so did the anticipation, swelling like the distant storm that loomed just north of Boulder, sending waves of electric excitement through the air.

Fifty years ago today, on August 16th, 1974, the Ramones played their first-ever show at New York City's CBGB & OMFUG. While the very first Ramones gig was March 30th, 1974 – with Joey on drums, Dee Dee on lead vocals and bass, Johnny on guitar, and Tommy doing management duties – August 16th marked the debut Ramones performance to feature all four members on-stage together.

Last night, Spafford brought their electrifying energy to the Nashua Center for the Arts, kicking off their fall tour with a show that will be remembered for years to come. The performance marked the triumphant return of guitarist Brian Moss, who rejoined the band after a hiatus, seamlessly reclaiming his place in the band and hitting the ground running.

Pickin’ On Green Day: Bluegrass & Broken Dreams, the latest in the acclaimed Pickin’ On Series from CMH Records, is out today, August 16. The collection showcases the biggest and best-loved songs from the legendary East Bay punks reinterpreted through the framework of classic bluegrass instrumentation and vocal stylings. In an exclusive partnership with RSD Essentials’ Indie Exclusives, Pickin’ On Green Day is being made available in independent record stores nationwide.

The iconic music project Rhythms Del Mundo, featuring a Cuban re-imagination of Coldplay’s “Clocks,” U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” and Sting’s “Fragilidad,” is now available for streaming. PRESS HERE to listen.

The EP also features legendary Cuban singers Omara Portuondo and the late Ibrahim Ferrer of the Buena Vista Social Club.

The project is in support of the environmental charity Artists Project Earth (APE).