Cleveland, OH's Tropidelic dropped their new album, 'Heavy Is The Head', their first for Pepper's LAW Records, today, November 10. Featuring 10 tracks of the band's signature mix of reggae, hip-hop and high energy funk, the album is available for pre-order, which includes an instant download of the song "Hey Now."

Frontman Matthew Roads says, "A lot of our songs are upbeat and funky. It's very eclectic, which is what all of our albums have been, but this one even more so. We combined our efforts more than we ever have in the past for this record. The album features songs written by several members. We did more refining and filtering on this record than on any other in the past."

He adds, “The album title is a direct reflection of the sacrifices, struggle and pain endured en route to the top, or when you reach the top of whatever it is you’re after.”

Having played and toured with acts such as Slightly Stoopid, 311, Pepper, Sugar Ray, Dirty Heads, The Wailers, Flobots, Passafire, Ballyhoo!, and many more, these seasoned road dogs plan to stay on tour in support of the new record, focusing on headlining shows and festival dates. The band will be out supporting Badfish in February, with additional gigs to be announced soon.

Upcoming shows:

NOV 10 The Mousetrap Indianapolis, IN

NOV 11 Lamasco Bar and Grill- Evansville, IN

NOV 17 Mohawk Place- Buffalo, NY

DEC 08 Clazel Entertainment- Bowling Green, OH

DEC 09 The Livery Microbrewery- Benton Harbor, MI

DEC 30 Rex Theater Pittsburgh, PA

DEC 31 The Grog Shop Cleveland, OH

FEB 07 Tellus 360- Lancaster, PA (w/ Badfish)

FEB 10 Newport Music Hall- Columbus, OH (w/ Badfish)

FEB 13 City Winery Nashville- Nashville, TN (w/ Badfish)

FEB 14 Mercury Ballroom- Louisville, KY (w/ Badfish)

FEB 15 Bogarts- Cincinnati, OH (w/ Badfish)

FEB 16 Pops Nightclub- Sauget, IL (w/ Badfish)

FEB 17 Concord Music Hall- Chicago, IL (w/ Badfish)

FEB 18 The Intersection- Grand Rapids, MI (w/ Badfish)

Ryan Hamilton & The Harlequin Ghosts will release their new album 'Nowhere To Go But Everywhere' on September 18th via Wicked Cool Records. The album's first single "Jesus and John Lennon,"(one of two co-writes on the album with Steven Van Zandt) is now streaming everywhere.

Of the track, Ryan tells American Songwriter, “Do you ever feel like, no matter what, some things are destined to fall apart? No matter what you do, the end result is the same. This song is about that, and I was thrilled to take the concept, and the song, to the next level, by having the opportunity to co-write it with Stevie Van Zandt.”

Stream “Jesus & John Lennon” on all digital platforms here:
https://orcd.co/jesusandjohnlennon

Stream the “Jesus & John Lennon” lyric video here:

Album pre-orders have launched at: https://orcd.co/nowheretogobuteverywhere. The follow up to 2019's 'This Is The Sound' (which won an Independent Music Award for 'Best Indie Album'), 'Nowhere To Go But Everywhere' was written by Ryan during a long road trip across the USA with his dog Peaches, while coming to terms with his recent divorce. He describes the deeply personal collection as, “...a group of songs about heartbreak, and finding yourself.” A transatlantic collaboration, Ryan hails from Austin, Texas, while his backing band The Harlequin Ghosts are based in the U.K.

The much-anticipated 'ỌPẸ' album, a debut by Nigerian Grammy-winning recording artist and percussionist, Sikiru Adepoju is out now!

Announcing the release today, MansMark Records, the AfroWest Music Hub, says the floor is now open to fans, for a potpourri of choice music put together by some of the world best.

“ỌPẸ (Gratitude)” Is Now Streaming on All Digital Platforms Via: https://mansmark.com

The official release of Riddim Doctors' 'ỌPẸ' (Yoruba-Nigeria word for 'Gratitude') follows the unveiling of three appetizing singles from the collection: “Ajaja” (I am The Spirit); “Goin’ Somewhere”; and “Take Me Home, Country Roads” – a vibrant remake of John Denver’s iconic song of the same title.

Other titles from the 9-track album include: “Dide Afrika” (Wake Up Afrika); “Idaji” (Sunrise); “I’ll Take You There”; “Ire Temi” (My Success); “Palm Wine”; and “Lana Dewa” (Clear The Way).

The album is available across all digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes Store, Amazon Music, and most record stores globally.

The Riddim Doctors' project aims to celebrate African roots music while also infusing it with diverse new flavors: “The hope behind the album is to unite people in celebration of life and goodness,” says Adepoju.

According to the Founder/CEO of MansMark Records, Prince Ayo Manuel Ajisebutu, Sikiru Adepoju together with some key members of Riddim Doctors have encountered many twists and turns during the creation process.

“The unwavering determination of Sikiru Adepoju, continually supported by his friend of many years, Val Serrant, is beyond measure. Sikiru’s stubbornness about giving birth to his dreams, no matter how long it took, should be looked to for inspiration by anyone that dares to raise themselves higher. The lifeblood of the album is to elevate people's spirits and ignite the essence of ỌPẸ in the listener. When the spirit of ỌPẸ is awakened in you, you will see the good in every situation. Embracing the spirit of ỌPẸ, gratitude, can reduce most of the tensions in our lives as we transform into better and more loving human beings. Unleash the spirit of ỌPẸ in you,” he says.

The album features known musicians such as Babatunde Olatunji, Zakir Hussain, Giovanni Hidalgo, Audio Angel (Rashida Clendening), Oz Ezzeldin, Bola Abimbola, Lindsey Schust, Paul Tao El-Shaddai, Sammy Fayoseh, including current Dead & Company keyboardist Jeff Chimenti, longtime Bob Weir collaborator and onetime Primus drummer Jay Lane and Widespread Panic bassist Dave Schools.

Mento Buru is a 7-piece band from Bakersfield, CA that combines an energetic blend of Latin alternative, Jamaican SKA and reggae sounds. Veterans of ska music’s hyperactive nineties third wave, the group has released music on the Moon Ska and Steady Beat record labels establishing their reputation as a genre-defying musical act around the globe.

Now, the band is excited to announce the release of, “East Bakersfield Christmas,” their first-ever six (6) song ep of reimagined holiday classics. Titled in honor of the historic and culturally diverse neighborhood where the group formed and still resides, the ep is a sonic reflection of the culturally rich area that also boasts its own colorful musical history.

“Christmas time is our favorite time of year, so we put something together guaranteed to lift spirits and dancing feet around the Christmas tree,” said lead vocalist Matt Munoz. “Anything set to a ska or reggae beat is sure to bring out the tamales and egg nog with mezcal in East Bakersfield. These songs were personally handpicked, arranged and performed with heart, soul, and of course ska. We hope you enjoy them as much as we had fun recording them.”

Recorded at Triple Seven Recording in Bakersfield, the project was mixed by acclaimed studio engineer Jon Graber (Goldfinger, MXPX, Brasstracks) and mastered by Dave Fore (Collie Buddz, The Lacs).

Over the years the band has also shared stages with musical heroes The Specials, The English Beat, Los Lobos, The Dirty Heads, Wailing Souls, Fishbone, Ozomatli, Buck Owens (of course!) and countless others in addition to performing at The Roxy, Whisky a Go Go, The Viper Room, BB Kings venues, and headlining Old Spanish Days festival in Santa Barbara just to name a few.

Made possible through a generous grant from The Hub of Bakersfield’s “Cash for the Arts” program, “East Bakersfield Christmas” will be available at Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, Pandora and YouTube.

Watch the video for the single "Donde Esta Santa Claus?" here:

“When you watch the video, you’ll see a lot of people smiling. There’s a reason for that,” said drummer Cesareo Garasa. “The sessions went really quickly, around 20 hours over four days, and were inspired by not only what Christmas means to each of us, but the positivity and excitement we all felt as it all came together. There was a real festive, communal feeling making this EP and it shows.”

Assertion, the new project of musician William Goldsmith, is unveiling "Supervised Suffering," the first single off of the upcoming debut album 'Intermission,' set for release on April 9 via Spartan Records.

Stream "Supervised Suffering" here:

'Intermission' marks the official return of the fabled drummer, who ten years ago, walked away from a successful music career that included stints as a founding member of Sunny Day Real Estate, The Fire Theft, and Foo Fighters.

Together with his Assertion bandmates, guitarist/vocalist Justin Tamminga and, bassist Bryan Gorder, Assertion's debut LP, 'Intermission', is real, propulsive, and earnest -- a cathartic experience that proudly does not nestle nicely alongside current bands -- or really many releases at all from the last couple decades. The album conjures more connections to the heady grit and soaring grind of the 90's. Driving guitars anchored by a frenetic rhythm section. A haunting vocal delivery concealing a heartfelt sentiment. Track-by-track, the record builds into a dark and heavy crescendo but unpredictably retreats into delicate and fragile moments in masterful ways.

Vinyl Pre-Order (North America): http://spr.tn/intermission

Vinyl Pre-Order (UK): http://spr.tn/intermissionuk

Digital Pre-Save: https://orcd.co/intermission

Goldsmith says, "A decade-long journey that started out walking away from music has led me right back to it and the very reason I started - but with a whole new appreciation and respect for it. I feel extremely fortunate to be part of this project. It’s not just about making music. It’s like a force of nature, but in an egoless collaboration that is nothing short of unconditional. The gratitude I have for being given the opportunity to release this music is beyond words. Thank you to everyone for your support through all these years."

'Intermission' Track Listing:

Down Into The Depths

The Lamb To The Slaughter Pulls A Knife

Defeated

This Dream Does Not Work

Pushed To The Limit

Deeper In The Shallow

This Lonely Choir

Supervised Suffering

Set Fire

Long-running and influential Southern California "cowpunksurfabilly" purveyors The Ziggens have released their long-awaited 19 track album 'Oregon', which marks their 30 year anniversary as a band, and is their first proper studio album in 19 years.

Stream 'Oregon' HERE

Spotify

While always skirting around the edges of the underground, the band's mighty legion of fans has included such luminaries as Bradley Nowell (who signed them to the Skunk Records label, covered their track "Big Salty Tears", and for years enlisted them to tour as Sublime's opening act), the late Josh Fischel of Bargain Music, and a young Travis Barker who was often seen up front at the band's early shows.

Throughout the band's 30 year existence, they've maintained their original lineup and continued to tour, while also working on various side projects such as bassist Jon Poutney's supergroup Volcano with Meat Puppets frontman Curt Kirkwood, Sublime drummer Bud Gaugh, and Sublime soundman Michael 'Miguel' Happoldt, and Ziggens frontman Bert Susanka's children's music act Jelly of the Month Club (also with Gaugh),

About The Ziggens:

"A rockin’ surf-punk band that also plays beautiful ballads”...

Has there ever been a band described like that?

It’s been an amazing 30 years for Bert, Brad, Dickie, and Jon. Making records, touring and influencing dozens of bands that now worship at the altar of The Ziggens has been their passion. Harmony singing, laughter, and pure high volume fun describe their one-of-a-kind live show.

Hailing from Surf City CA, it makes sense that their music gravitated toward reverb-drenched surf vibes, but the beautiful ballads and tight harmonies set them apart from the other fish in the sea of music.

Brad Nowell of Sublime called them his favorite band as the Ziggens were the opening act for Sublime for many years. The group did portions of 2 Warped Tours, put out 9 records, and toured with Dick Dale, The Ventures, No Doubt, Slightly Stoopid, NRBQ and The Beat Farmers, among countless others.

Now, after having fun doing side projects for a spell (but always still together as a band), comes a 19 song masterpiece of all-new songs called “Oregon.”

It’s in the classic Ziggens style- which is a style all their own. It’s time the Ziggens are discovered by those who previously missed out on their genius. This energetic and beautiful set of songs is sure to please music lovers of all ages. So paddle out with the Ziggens and their new release called “OREGON”. You are guaranteed to ride this perfect Ziggen wave all the way to shore with the biggest smile on your face!

Seattle-based singer/songwriter/classically-trained cellist and illustrator Jeremiah Moon has released a companion music video for his latest single "Kinds Of Light," off his forthcoming debut EP 'Sputnik' to be released via Enci Records (The Joy Formidable, Beach Goons, Fences).

After making its premiere yesterday, the clip is now streaming here

Stream the track on DSPs HERE

Jeremiah says, "(Kinds of Light) is about opposing selves, the way relationships with other people compel us to reckon with our own identity, the way our stories gradually become histories, and the things we choose - or don't choose - to carry with us. The underlying thread, like all 5 songs on the EP, is connection between people - the ways that we try to understand each other, and the ways we change each others' orbits."

The tracks that make up the 'Sputnik' EP were recorded with friend and producer Adam Black in a remote cabin in Florence, OR. He says, "We laid down the main tracks during this time and pieced together the rest of the EP and arrangements over the next couple of years."

Moon's music bears the mark of the musicians that inspired it, channeling the energy of a diverse list of influences that range from Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Thom Yorke, Blake Mills, Sufjan Stevens, Claude Debussy, and Nick Cave, to Mahler, Dvorak, Stravinsky, Ravel, and the poetry of Christian Wiman, all while simultaneously carving its own path.

The son of a classically trained violinist mother, Moon would start taking cello lessons at age 7, playing music (solo, chamber music, and orchestra) all through high school.

After graduating, Moon studied cello performance at Boston University. He recalls, "I started writing my first songs when I was home on summer vacations."

In 2013, Jeremiah moved to Seattle and started accompanying guitarists for live shows and recording sessions, as well as working on his illustration skills and building a portfolio of his work. He says, "I started seriously working on songwriting in 2018 after being challenged by a friend to take myself more seriously as an artist. The 5 songs on my EP were a direct result of the momentum from this burst of inspiration."

Acclaimed Texas-based singer-songwriter and musician Al Staehely (Spirit, the Staehely Brothers) has released 'Post Spirit Vol. 1 (1974-1978)' - a fourteen-track album of rare solo recordings written over 40 years ago during Staehely's days in Los Angeles in the 1970's.

While known to many as the lead vocalist, bass player, and principal songwriter on Spirit's fifth album, 1972's 'Feedback', Staehely went on to enjoy a lengthy career in bands like the Staehely Brothers, and The Nick Gravenites / John Cipollina Band, while also writing songs for the likes of Keith Moon, Bobbie Gentry, Patti Dahlstrom, Nick Gravenites, John Cipollina, Marty Balin, Peter Cox and Hodges, James & Smith and more. A segue into a successful career as a Houston, TX entertainment attorney hasn't deterred Staehely from continuing to write and perform music regularly, which he does to this day.

'Post Spirit Vol. 1 (1974-1978 )' is an audio time capsule that captures the essence of 70's Southern California rock.

"The '70s L.A. music scene was a special time. Today, in 2021, many try to recreate the '70s analog experience in their songwriting and recordings. I was lucky to have been writing and making music during that time," says Staehely. "These never before released Post Spirit 1974-1978 recordings from my "Vault" are the real thing- written and recorded in L.A. during that era in some of the best studios, with some of the best musicians working at that time. Enjoy!"

The single "Wide Eyed and Innocent," was recorded in 1978, while the recently released re-recorded version of the song was done during sessions in Marfa, TX in 2020, offering a unique contrast between Staehely's storied history and his exciting future.

Looking back at his early days in Malibu and Laurel Canyon, Staehely laughs, “We were wide eyed- but not that innocent!”

Stream 'Post Spirit Vol. 1 (1974-1978 )' here: https://ffm.to/postspiritvol1

Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Ryan Hamilton and his band were booked to play multiple UK festivals during the summer of 2020, among them Maverick festival (Americana) and LeeFest, where they were fourth on a bill headlined by Brit-rockers Ash. Then, of course, the world ground to a COVID induced halt...

During 2021, with touring still off the agenda owing to the pandemic, Ryan has been releasing a new track a month via Wicked Cool for his project ‘1221’. Collaboration has been the abiding theme, with artists & friends such as Bob Schneider and Chuck Prophet offering up previously unreleased original songs for the record. Nestled among originals of his own, '1221 also features a smattering of choice covers where Ryan does his very own take on songs by the Spin Doctors (How Could You Want Him...), Catherine Wheel (Satellite) and the Refreshments (Banditos).

Working with go-to producer Dave Draper, the singles came together in pandemic isolation with Ryan recording at his home studio in Texas and Dave sprinkling his magic from the U.K.

Today, Ryan and his label Wicked Cool Records have released all of these monthly singles as a full album, titled '1221.' Stream the album at: https://orcd.co/1221.

Acclaimed Texas-based singer-songwriter and musician Al Staehely (Spirit, the Staehely Brothers) has released 'Post Spirit Vol. 1 (1974-1978)' - a fourteen-track album of rare solo recordings written over 40 years ago during Staehely's days in Los Angeles in the 1970's.

While known to many as the lead vocalist, bass player, and principal songwriter on Spirit's fifth album, 1972's 'Feedback', Staehely went on to enjoy a lengthy career in bands like the Staehely Brothers, and The Nick Gravenites / John Cipollina Band, while also writing songs for the likes of Keith Moon, Bobbie Gentry, Patti Dahlstrom, Nick Gravenites, John Cipollina, Marty Balin, Peter Cox and Hodges, James & Smith and more. A segue into a successful career as a Houston, TX entertainment attorney hasn't deterred Staehely from continuing to write and perform music regularly, which he does to this day.

'Post Spirit Vol. 1 (1974-1978 )' is an audio time capsule that captures the essence of 70's Southern California rock.

"The '70s L.A. music scene was a special time. Today, in 2021, many try to recreate the '70s analog experience in their songwriting and recordings. I was lucky to have been writing and making music during that time," says Staehely. "These never before released Post Spirit 1974-1978 recordings from my "Vault" are the real thing- written and recorded in L.A. during that era in some of the best studios, with some of the best musicians working at that time. Enjoy!"

The single "Wide Eyed and Innocent," was recorded in 1978, while the recently released re-recorded version of the song was done during sessions in Marfa, TX in 2020, offering a unique contrast between Staehely's storied history and his exciting future.

Looking back at his early days in Malibu and Laurel Canyon, Staehely laughs, “We were wide eyed- but not that innocent!”
Stream 'Post Spirit Vol. 1 (1974-1978 )' here: https://ffm.to/postspiritvol1

Stream an interview with Al on NPR: https://www.lakeshorepublicradio.org/post/al-staehely-release-new-colle…
Watch the new video "Feel The Heat" here: https://youtu.be/ScNRpwffa5o

Acclaimed Texas-based singer-songwriter and musician Al Staehely (Spirit, the Staehely Brothers) has debuted a new music video for his track "Live Like A River" off his recent album of rare solo recordings, 'Post Spirit Vol. 1 (1974-1978).'

Stream the "Live Like A River" video here: https://youtu.be/d30s0aY9Xpg

Video directed by Taylor White

The video for the track (co-written over 40 years ago by Staehely and John Denver lyricist Joe Henry) is a family affair, featuring cameos by Al’s son Christian and his granddaughters Lily and Sydney.

Al says, “‘Live Like a River and Love Like a Waterfall carries a message worth passing on to my granddaughters Sydney and Lily.”

While known to many as the lead vocalist, bass player, and principal songwriter on Spirit's fifth album, 1972's 'Feedback', Staehely went on to enjoy a lengthy career in bands like the Staehely Brothers, and The Nick Gravenites / John Cipollina Band, while also writing songs for the likes of Keith Moon, Bobbie Gentry, Patti Dahlstrom, Nick Gravenites, John Cipollina, Marty Balin, Peter Cox and Hodges, James & Smith and more. A segue into a successful career as a Houston, TX entertainment attorney hasn't deterred Staehely from continuing to write and perform music regularly, which he does to this day.

The recent album 'Post Spirit Vol. 1 (1974-1978)' is an audio time capsule that captures the essence of 70's Southern California rock.

"The '70s L.A. music scene was a special time. I was lucky to have been writing and making music during that time," says Staehely. "These never before released Post Spirit 1974-1978 recordings from my "Vault" are the real thing- written and recorded in L.A. during that era in some of the best studios, with some of the best musicians working at that time. Enjoy!"

Watch for Al Staehely to release new music later this year.

Upcoming Shows:

SUNDAY MAY 15: Ukraine Benefit Concert — McGonigel’s Mucky Duck – Houston, Texas (Fundraiser for World Central Kitchen.)

The 2024 edition of the Four Chord Music Festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary, has revealed its dates and the initial lineup of artists.

This year's confirmed acts include: A Day To Remember, All-American Rejects, The Story So Far, Something Corporate, State Champs, Motion City Soundtrack, Four Year Strong, The Get Up Kids and many more. See below for the complete lineup.

The highly successful independent music festival will be held on June 22 and 23 at the historic The Carrie Furnace in Pittsburgh, PA. Situated within the remnants of the iconic U.S. Steel Homestead Steel Works, the Carrie Blast Furnaces stand as a testament to Pittsburgh's industrial prowess in the 20th century. This unique setting adds a distinctive touch to the festival's decade-long legacy.

Attendees can choose from General Admission and VIP tickets, with a new Deluxe VIP tier now available. This exclusive option provides access to a spacious elevated viewing lounge, private bathrooms, a partially open bar, and more, enhancing the overall festival experience.

Early Bird GA + VIP tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, February 21st at 11AM ET.

Public On Sale kicks off on Friday, February 23rd at 11AM ET.

Tickets on sale at FOURCHORDMUSICFESTIVAL.COM

See the lineup below. Additional acts to be announced!

Saturday & Sunday, June 22-23, 2024

at Carrie Furnace

Address: 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15218

DAY 1 (Saturday, June 22)

A Day to Remember

The Story So Far

Senses Fail

State Champs

Four Year Strong

Microwave

Militarie Gun

Koyo

Eternal Boy

Driveways

Action/Adventure

Cliffdiver

Mallory Run

DAY 2 (Sunday, June 23)

The All-American Rejects

Something Corporate

Motion City Soundtrack

The Get Up Kids

Relient K

Taylor Acorn

Hunny

Patent Pending

Keep Flying

People R Ugly

House Parties

Goalkeeper

Don't Panic

Old Neon

The Point Break Festival, an all-new two-day music festival, today announced Sublime and Rebelution will headline the event coming to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront June 1-2, 2024. Featuring more than 20 bands throughout the weekend, the first-time festival will take place at 5th Street on the beach. Presale details will be available at www.pointbreakfestival.com on Thursday, March 7 at 10 a.m. ET and tickets go on sale Friday, March 8 at 10 a.m. ET.

As part of a limited run of tour stops in 2024, the perennial alternative rock radio outfit Sublime will take the stage on Saturday, June 1, with new lead singer Jakob Nowell, the son of the beloved original lead singer Bradley Nowell, alongside founding members Bud Gaugh (drums) and Eric Wilson (bass). The Grammy-nominated band Rebelution, best known for their soulful modern reggae, mixed with pop hooks, alt-rock grit, and hip-hop grooves, will anchor Sunday’s stacked line-up.

The inaugural event will also feature performances by Wiz Khalifa, Stephen Marley, Steel Pulse, Pepper, Tribal Seeds, Fortunate Youth, Hirie, The Expendables, Bumpin Uglies, Denm, Tropidelic, Artikal Sound System, Ballyhoo, Passafire, REGLDGRN, Kash’d Out, Joe Samba, The Supervillians, Of Good Nature, Quasi Kings, Cultivated Minds, and Ganja Cat.

Doors will open at 12:00 p.m. ET each day with live performances starting at 1:00 p.m. The Festival will also feature local food vendors and local craft vendors.

The Point Break Festival is produced by IMGoing.

About IMGoing
Based in Virginia Beach, IMGoing is a premier producer of concerts and events throughout the state of Virginia. IMGoing operates the Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion (Portsmouth, VA) and Virginia Beach Events, the entertainment and events program for the city of Virginia Beach. In addition, IMGoing promotes events at venues throughout the state, including The Hampton Coliseum, Chrysler Hall, Altria Theater, Roanoke Performing Arts Center, and Carpenter Theatre. In addition to the nationally touring artists and festivals, IMGoing has produced many community and military events.