Sun, 04/25/2021 - 11:12 am

In honor of Earth Day 2021, Damian “Jr Gong” Marley shares a very powerful new music video for “Life Is A Circle.” Watch it HERE via Rolling Stone. The video was notably shot at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park in Miami, FL and directed by B+.

The music video shows the power of black activists who stood up to forces beyond their control in order to build a haven for both their communities and the environment as well. It’s a call-to-action to honor their tireless fight against systemic oppression, dating back centuries. “Life Is A Circle” tells a relevant story that began in the 1940s but remains relevant to this day, if not more than ever...

During segregation, black Americans were forbidden from most beaches. With the support of a local NAACP chapter, seven civil rights activists staged a “wade-in” at a whites’ only beach in Dade County. As a result, Virginia Key Beach opened in 1945 as Miami’s first “Colored Only” beach. Over the years, this land endured storms, vandalism, the insurgence of foreign plants and animals, and a corrupt corporate city plot to sell its development rights. Once again, the people spoke. Grassroots organizers known as the Virginia Key Beach Trust fought against this commercial encroachment and vied for total restoration. Finally, Historic Virginia Key Beach Park opened in 2008 consisting of 82.5 acres and “the largest Mangrove Wetland in the State of Florida.”

In the video, Damian pays homage to the spirit of those activists. Walking around Historic Virginia Key Beach Park with eyes wide and his heart open, he sings at the edge of the water as sparse cinematic piano chords ring out. The clip intercuts footage of Damian with classic black-and-white photos of visitors to Virginia Key Beach.

Said Damian “Jr Gong” Marley, “The video needed to have some hope in it. The song has a darkish feel, but it says ‘God is always with us…’ Don’t forget that. And I wanted the video somehow to have that hope, because there’s always hope.”

Added Director B+, “We had stumbled on an important piece of history and one that actually has a good ending. One that seemed beautifully emblematic of another kind of America.”

“Life Is A Circle” original appeared on Ghetto Youth International’s 2020 compilation record, Set Up Shop, Vol. 4. Receiving plugs from Dance Hall Mag and more, OKAYPLAYER described it as “introspective.” Meanwhile, it has generated nearly half-a-million plays on the static audio.

Damian Marley’s most recent studio album was his 2017 opus, Stony Hill. In addition to becoming his second consecutive #1 debut on the Billboard Top Reggae Albums Chart, it garnered the 2018 GRAMMY® Award in the category of “Best Reggae Album,” marking his fourth career GRAMMY®. The record also inspired widespread acclaim from Mojo, Rolling Stone, and more, while he delivered a standout set for NPR’s Tiny Desk.

Stay tuned for more from Damian Marley soon. 

Fri, 09/24/2021 - 9:23 am

27 sets. Three days of performances. All live-streamed on hardlystrictlybluegrass.com, facebook.com/hardlystrictlybluegrass, and youtube.com/user/hsbfest. Tune in October 1, 2, 3 starting each day at 1pm PT/4pm ET to see this year's fantastic line-up, brought to you live from the Bay Area, with additional sets filmed in New Orleans and SF earlier this year. Invite your friends and join us!

In 21 years, the festival has grown from one stage in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park to multiple stages and over 500K attendees. Last year’s pre-taped quarantine-filmed performances saw the livestream garner 1 MILLION views. This year’s event has the potential to reach millions more!

Thu, 09/07/2023 - 11:54 am

The Glorious Sons, renowned for their chart-topping hits and captivating live performances, are set to make waves in the musical landscape with their new album, 'Glory'. Featuring a distinctive roots rock feel, this 10-track project is available today through Warner Music Canada and ADA Worldwide. Alongside the album release, there's also an official music video for the lead single and title track, “Glory”.

Best recognized for their Billboard Mainstream Rock chart-topping singles "S.O.S. (Sawed Off Shotgun)" and "Panic Attack", and a nomination for the 2020 iHeart Media Best New Rock/Alternative Rock Artist, The Glorious Sons continue to push boundaries and exceed expectations. Their latest album, 'Glory', delves deeper into the human psyche, addressing perseverance, personal growth, and the tumultuous path to self-acceptance.

Lead singer Brett Emmons offers insight into the album's inspiration and themes: "Listening to this album feels like one massive inner conflict laid bare for everyone. At times, it's almost too revealing for my comfort, but that's what emerged, so life goes on." Emmons attributes the album's themes to introspection during the pandemic, noting, "It feels like an acknowledgment of the inherent discomfort of being human."

The Glorious Sons' experiences in the music industry have unquestionably shaped their sound. ‘Glory’ demonstrates their maturation, blending the emotional intensity they're famed for with fresh sonic explorations. Emmons says, "‘Glory’ represents another chapter in our story. We might morph into a different band for the next album—it's just how our minds evolve." He underscores that the album moves away from a hit-driven approach, instead aiming to present a cohesive, immersive body of work that resonates with the band's unique taste.

Setting the stage for the introspective journey of the album is its lead single, "Mercy Mercy". This track melds familiar and innovative elements to spotlight the band’s signature sonic style and compelling lyrics. Highlighting their grand and ambitious nature, “Mercy Mercy” gained rapid traction, becoming the most added track at rock radio formats for two consecutive weeks and reaching #3 on Mediabase's Multiple Rock Formats in Canada. It also garners strong backing from Triple A and Alternative stations in the US.

"Glory" is not just the album's title; it encapsulates its essence and holds a central place in the project's narrative. Emmons describes "Glory" as a clarion call for the band, reflecting on their journey and emphasizing that success is fleeting. "I wanted fans to grasp the heights we've reached and to understand that such success is ephemeral. It isn't merely handed to us."

As 'Glory' embarks on its musical voyage, The Glorious Sons are also launching The Glory Tour, a thrilling trek through 57 cities in the U.S. and Canada. Special guests The Blue Stones and The Velveteers will join on select dates, ensuring that the tour offers unforgettable performances that encapsulate the essence of their music. Tickets for The Glory Tour are now up for grabs at theglorioussons.com.

‘GLORY’ TRACK LISTING:

    Glory
    Mercy Mercy
    Cellular
    Dream
    House Lights
    Speed of Light
    Lightning Bolt
    You Stay Young
    Time Will Reign Down on Me
    Cosmic Beam

THE GLORY TOUR US DATES:

9/6 - Pittsburgh, PA - Stage AE
9/7 - Newport, KY - MegaCorp Pavilion
9/8 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade Hall
9/9 - Charleston, SC - The Riviera Theater
9/11 - Nashville, TN - Basement East
9/13 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
9/14 - Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club
9/15 - New York, NY - Gramercy Theatre
9/16 - Burlington, VT - Higher Ground
9/18 - Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer
9/20 - Cleveland, OH - House of Blues
9/21 - Royal Oak, MI - Royal Oak Music Theatre
9/22 - Peoria, IL - Crusen’s
9/23 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave
9/25 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues
9/26 - Des Moines, IA - Wooly’s
9/27 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
9/29 - Tulsa, OK - Vanguard
10/1 - Phoenix, AZ - Crescent Ballroom
10/2 - West Hollywood, CA - Troubadour
10/3 - San Francisco, CA - August Hall
10/5 - Seattle, WA - Showbox SODO
10/6 - Bend, OR - Domino Room
10/7 - Crystal Bay, NV - The Bay Club
10/9 - Bozeman, MT - The ELM
10/10 - Salt Lake City, UT - Metro Music Hall
10/12 - Denver, CO - Ogden Theater
10/13 - Kansas City, MO - Madrid Theatre
10/14 - St. Louis, MO - Red Flag

Fri, 10/20/2023 - 10:45 am

Pearl Jam and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, commemorate the 30th anniversary of the band’s seminal sophomore full-length offering, Vs., with a series of special releases.

Vs. will be available in new Vinyl and Cassette configurations via various partners on November 17. Pearl Jam’s own Ten Club features an exclusive 2LP Dreamsicle (translucent orange with white swirls) color variant vinyl and clear cassette. Target offers its own 1LP exclusive clear vinyl, an international clear vinyl will also be available outside of the United States, and a new black 2LP vinyl will be available in participating retailers. Album and cassette preorders are available HERE.

Additionally, Pearl Jam and Legacy Recordings will unveil a brand new Atmos Spatial Audio Mix of the album releasing tomorrow October 20th on Apple Music alongside new visualizer videos for each track on the album. Stream Vs. and watch the track visualizers HERE.

Pearl Jam arrived like a tidal wave with Ten in 1991, unassumingly emerging as one of the most popular bands in rock music and culture at large. With all eyes on them for a follow-up, the musicians opted to hold nothing back, cut deeper, and deliver a dark and dynamic 12-track opus in the form of Vs. Powered by classics such as the heartbreakingly introspective “Daughter,” acoustic nostalgia of “Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town,” primal punked-up fury of “Blood,” and downright raw catharsis of “Leash,” the album found the group at its rawest. From the explosion of “Go” through the poignant exhale of “Indifference,” it traced a journey through insecurity and uncertainty in the face of unwanted fame, stared down heavy themes such as abuse and neurodivergent learning disorders, raised a middle finger to America’s gun obsession and police brutality, tackled the topic of suicide fearlessly, and even managed to let light peek through the cracks with some of the group’s most treasured anthems ever.

In a 1993 Rolling Stone interview with Cameron Crowe, Eddie Vedder shared, “Music is an incredibly powerful medium to deliver a story by. But the best thing is, you have to have volume. You’re supposed to play it loud. I would do anything to be around music. You don’t even have to pay me.”

Vs. is the sound of a band who won’t compromise its message or meaning. It’s the moment the tide really turned…

It also notably marked the first of many albums to be helmed by longtime collaborator Brendan O’Brien, kicking off a now three-decade partnership with the producer. Upon arrival, Vs. smashed records by moving over 950,000 copies during its first five days in stores, eclipsing the sales of the rest of the entire Billboard Top 10 combined. It clinched #1 on the respective chart for five weeks, logging the longest run at the top for any Pearl Jam release to date. It held the record for “most albums sold first-week” for the next five years and set the record for “most first-week vinyl sales,” which would stand for the next 20 years.

Moving 10 million units worldwide, Vs. has since gone 7x Platinum in the States. Meanwhile, “Daughter” just reached RIAA Platinum, while “Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town” has gone Gold.

Retrospectively, Rolling Stone hailed, “Pearl Jam emerged victorious with Vs., an album that still stands as one of the strongest records of their long and storied career. Looser, heavier and angrier than their debut, Vs. found the band exploring new sounds and dynamics.” Billboard proclaimed, “To date, the sophomore set that proved the band could do things its own way — a tactic that directly helped make its longevity possible.”

Not to mention, Pearl Jam’s tenth full-length LP and fan favorite Lightning Bolt also celebrates its 10th anniversary this week. It originally dropped on October 15, 2013 and became the group’s fifth #1 debut on the Billboard 200. The Brendan O’Brien produced Lightning Bolt is now available in Spatial Audio.

Check out the full Vs. tracklisting below and stay tuned for more news and announcements soon.

Pearl Jam – Vs.

track listing

1. Go

2. Animal

3. Daughter

4. Glorified G

5. Dissident

6. W.M.A.

7. Blood

8. Rearviewmirror

9. Rats

10. Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town

11. Leash

12. Indifference

Bonus Tracks (*digital release only):

13. Indifference

14. Cready Stomp

15. Crazy Mary

Pearl Jam – Vs.

1LP Side Splits

Side A

1. Go

2. Animal

3. Daughter

4. Glorified G

5. Dissident

6. W.M.A.

Side B

1. Blood

2. Rearviewmirror

3. Rats

4. Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town

5. Leash

6. Indifference

2LP Side Splits

A Side

1. Go                                                                                                                                        

2. Animal                                                                                                                                

3. Daughter

B Side

1. Glorified G                                                                                                                         

2. Dissident                                                                                                                            

3. W.M.A.                                                                                                                               

C Side

1. Blood                                                                                                                                   

2. Rearviewmirror                                                                                                                

3. Rats

D Side

1. Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town         

2. Leash                       

3. Indifference 

Tue, 04/16/2024 - 9:34 pm

The Henry Mancini family continues to celebrate what would have been the late legendary composer’s 100th birthday with the announcement of The Henry Mancini 100th Sessions – Henry Has Company. The album is the latest installment in what will be a year-long endeavor honoring the 20-time GRAMMY® and 4-time Academy Award winner whose centennial is being celebrated today on April 16th. 

The Henry Mancini 100th Sessions – Henry Has Company will be available June 21st via Primary Wave, and the first single, “Peter Gunn,” featuring Quincy Jones, John Williams, Herbie Hancock, and Arturo Sandoval, is out now. 

Listen to “Peter Gunn” HERE

Watch the “Peter Gunn” Social Video HERE

Pre-save the album HERE

The album comprises seven tracks and features guest appearances from John Williams, Herbie Hancock, Arturo Sandoval, Quincy Jones, Lizzo, Sir James Galway, Michael Bublé with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Pat Metheny, Take 6, Monica Mancini, Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Los Angeles Master Chorale, Stevie Wonder, Snarky Puppy, and Audrey Hepburn. 

On being asked to contribute to the upcoming album, Michael Bublé notes: “When the Mancini family calls and asks you to be a part of honoring the legacy of a genius you say thank you so very much I would love to be there…you say yes!”​​ 

The Henry Mancini 100th Sessions – Henry Has Company Tracklisting

Peter Gunn ft. Quincy Jones, John Williams, Herbie Hancock, and Arturo Sandoval
Pink Panther ft. Lizzo and Sir James Galway
Moon River ft. Michael Bublé with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Lujon (Slow Hot Wind) ft. Pat Metheny
Days of Wine and Roses ft. Take 6 & Monica Mancini
Baby Elephant Walk ft. Snarky Puppy
Moon River / Audrey’s Letter ft. Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Los Angeles Master Chorale, Stevie Wonder, and Audrey Hepburn

On June 23rd, The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and special guests Michael Bublé, Cynthia Erivo, and Monica Mancini will raise the curtain on the Bowl's 2024 season with a 100th birthday celebration for Henry Mancini conducted by the great Thomas Wilkins. Tickets are available HERE.

Additionally, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame today unveiled an installation on behalf of Henry Mancini’s upcoming 100th birthday in their Cleveland Rocks gallery. The installation features Mancini’s GRAMMY® Award for the inaugural ‘Album of the Year’ 1958, "Music From Peter Gunn,” a bomber jacket with embroidered “Hank" owned by Henry Mancini from Pink Panther Tour, and much, much more.  Additionally, the display will showcase pieces of memorabilia symbolic of the legends Mancini influenced: Quincy Jones, Cher, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and Lionel Richie as well as a handwritten score of Peter Gunn. 

TCM (Turner Classic Movies) will be honoring Mancini’s upcoming birthday with a lineup of programming dedicated to the late composer and his iconic work. The full 24-hour schedule, airing today, Tuesday, April 16th, will feature classics such as The Pink Panther, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Two for the Road; each of those 3 films will be accompanied by original monologues by the TCM host that include a brief bit of history and commentary on how each masterpiece was uniquely special.     

This past Valentine’s Day, Tiffany’s in New York displayed a handwritten letter from Audrey Hepburn to Henry Mancini. The letter, which celebrates the pair’s legendary collaboration on Breakfast At Tiffany’s, is an ode to what makes the film's score a perfect example of Mancini's talent for creating memorable and evocative music. The main theme, "Moon River," is a jazz standard that has been covered by countless artists. It perfectly captures the film's mix of sophistication and melancholy. Last week, Tiffany’s in Tokyo, Japan unveiled their display of Henry’s two Oscars as well as Audrey Hepburn’s dress from Breakfast At Tiffany’s. The exhibition is open to the public until June 23. 

CBS Sunday Morning has aired two tribute episodes on the Henry Mancini Centennial and his legacy in music with a third episode to be aired prior to the release of the album. The broadcast segments highlight how the composer has been an enduring influence to generational talents such as Quincy Jones, who in a 2014 interview with Rolling Stone, cited Mancini as his mentor.

On August 4th, music director, conductor, and arranger Kevin Stites will explore the music of legendary performer and film composer Henry Mancini for the annual Gala Benefit Evening at the Ravinia Festival. Curated and hosted by actor Rob Lindley, “Mancini at 100: The Music of Henry Mancini, from the big screen, to the small screen, to the stage and beyond” features Broadway vocalists Jessie Mueller (Waitress, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), Norm Lewis (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables), and Karen Mason (Sunset Boulevard), with all three making their Ravinia and CSO debuts.

This fall, The Extraordinary Life of Henry Mancini: Official Graphic Novel will hit shelves. From the humble beginnings of his father’s flute lessons to composing his Oscar-winner scores, this new graphic novel, written by David Calcano and illustrated by the award-winning studio Fantoons, illustrates every step in the journey of Henry Mancini’s pivotal and industry-shaping career.

Henry Mancini wasn't afraid to push boundaries. He seamlessly blended elements of jazz, classical, and popular music, creating unique soundscapes that set him apart from other film composers. This innovative approach helped redefine film scoring and paved the way for future generations. During his lifetime, Mancini was nominated for 72 GRAMMY® Awards, 18 Academy Awards®, honored with a Golden Globe® Award, and nominated for two Emmy ®Awards.  He created countless iconic pieces of work, from music from The Pink Panther film series ("The Pink Panther Theme") to "Moon River" from Breakfast at Tiffany's and was the recipient of the inaugural ‘Album Of The Year’ GRAMMY® for his 1958 soundtrack to the Peter Gunn television series, making him the first recipient of the prestigious award. 

Henry Mancini’s legacy transcends beyond music into film and pop culture at large. His 100th birthday is more than just a celebration of a single composer; it’s a chance to appreciate the power of music and the artistry of film scoring. His songs have been covered by esteemed artists including Beyoncé, Frank Ocean, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, R.E.M., Clay Aiken, and countless others. Mancini's legendary status comes from his ability to create unforgettable music that transcended film scores and ultimately became cultural touchstones that influenced generations of musicians.

Sat, 04/27/2024 - 2:47 pm

Stagecoach - country music’s biggest festival - is thrilled to announce two exciting additions to this year’s HonkyTonk: acclaimed electronic artists The Chainsmokers and Marshmello. Curated by long-time Stagecoach collaborator Diplo, Diplo’s HonkyTonk is set to be the most high-octane in the festival’s history, and is another mark of how Stagecoach’s influence transcends music genres. Set times for this stage are available now as well HERE.

Diplo has worked closely with Stagecoach’s parent company, powerhouse promoters Goldenvoice, for the last five years to help put together a who’s who of DJ’s and dance music for the festival. In addition to bringing artists like Dillon Francis, Cheat Codes, Brandi Cyrus, and more to the tent, he will also lend his talents to back to back sets with Marshmello and Cloonee.

As previously announced, Amazon Music will again be the exclusive streaming destination for this year’s sold-out Stagecoach Festival. Fans from around the world will be able to enjoy sets from country music’s biggest artists from the T-Mobile Mane Stage in the comfort of their own homes including riveting sets from artists like Eric Church, Jelly Roll, Elle King, Post Malone, Willie Nelson & Family, HARDY, and Bailey Zimmerman.

Sponsored by American Express, e.l.f. SKIN, T-Mobile, and Universal Pictures' The Fall Guy, from 87North, the livestream will be available on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch and Prime Video, slated for a 4 p.m. PDT start each day.

Thu, 05/23/2024 - 9:44 pm

Today, GRAMMY Award-Winning bassist and experimental musician, MonoNeon, gives listeners another taste from his upcoming album, Quilted Stereo, with his upbeat and unifying new single, “Segreghetto,” released via Court Square Recordings.

Kicking off with a fast-paced drum beat, “Segreghetto” instantly grabs listeners’ attention as the track evolves with a signature MonoNeon bassline. The beats continue throughout the song, allowing MonoNeon’s rap verses to be at the forefront of the track as he uses clever wordplay and a catchy chorus to preach a message of unity, “from Orange Mound to Compton.” The track is a masterful fusion of jazz, rap, and more, once again exhibiting his genre-blending prowess that makes his sound unique. The accompanying music video is the perfect visual representation of the single, showing MonoNeon on a pier dancing to the track in one of his signature quilted outfits, even donning a split-color ski mask. WATCH HERE

“The term ‘Segreghetto’ encapsulates the intersection.. them crossroads of segregation and ghettoization… perseverance in this human experience,” explains MonoNeon. “‘Segreghetto’ is a thang where it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of yourself in your community and culture. Like offering a voice to those that are overlooked or misunderstood… carving out your own path even in the midst of systemic inequalities. When me and my friend Davy were writing the song ‘Segreghetto,’ I felt like this junt could be  inspiration to anyone willing to defy the odds and chase their dreams, wanting that gold medal.. no matter the obstacles that lie in their path and journey.”

“Segreghetto” followed on the heels of “Quilted!,” a funky early taste of MonoNeon’s upcoming album, Quilted Stereo, with a feature by Parliament-Funkadelic’s George Clinton. Fans can look forward to another iconic collaboration on the album with a Mavis Staples feature on the track “Full Circle.” Quilted Stereo is set to propel MonoNeon as a leader in the experimental music space. Across the nine tracks, he displays an expert knowledge of blurring genre lines to create his own unique musical style. Fans can presave the album digitally HERE and preorder the vinyl HERE.

Boasting collaborations with Prince, Nas, Ne-Yo, Mac Miller, and other legendary artists, MonoNeon has solidified himself as a versatile backbone in the music industry. Self described as quirky, the quilted clothing often worn by the artist gives him a signature look to match his signature sound and digital content that has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of views. His distinct blend of funk, hip-hop, blues, and a myriad of other influences are fused to create what can only be described as a sonic quilt.

Last month, MonoNeon completed a 10-show run at the historic Blue Note in New York city, joined by special guests including Eric Gales, Eshu Tune (Hannibal Buress), and Mike Stern. In July, he’ll bring his electric live show on a 13-date US run, performing in Nashville, Boston, Oakland, and more. Fans can purchase tickets HERE, and a full list of upcoming shows can be found below.

TOUR DATES:
July 27 - Minneapolis, MN - Fine Line
July 28 - Chicago, IL - Outset
July 29 - St. Louis, MO - City Winery
July 31 - Nashville, TN - Exit/In
August 1 - Nashville, TN - City Winery
August 2 - Durham, NC - Missy Lane's
August 3 - Durham, NC - Missy Lane's
August 10 - Portland, OR - The Get Down
August 11 - Carnation, WA - The Thing Festival
August 30 - Memphis, TN - Overton Park Shell

ABOUT MONONEON:
MonoNeon, is an American bassist and experimental musician from Memphis, known for his social media presence and being one of the last people to work with music icon Prince. MonoNeon has contributed to Grammy Award winning albums, including his participation on the 2020 Nas album King's Disease. In 2021, MonoNeon was nominated for a Grammy for his contribution and participation on Jacob Collier's album Djesse Vol. 1. In addition to his work on Cory Henry's album, Operation Funk.

Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers has referred to Mono as “the greatest fucking electric bass player”. On November 1, 2022, Fender released the MonoNeon Collection, which included the MonoNeon Jazz Bass V Signature.

As for what is ahead for the artist in 2024, expect more social media content where he harmonizes the speech of viral clips found on TikTok and Instagram. As for his song development and studio time, he says, “I just want to keep making great music and take it up a notch, all I can think about is making music

Sat, 06/15/2024 - 9:52 am

Today, GRAMMY Award-Winning bassist and experimental musician, MonoNeon, treats listeners to a new track from his upcoming album, Quilted Stereo, with his high-energy new single, “Jelly Roll,” released via Court Square Recordings.

A lively, 80’s-inspired dance anthem, “Jelly Roll” is rife with bouncy synths and a plucking baseline at the song’s forefront. The track inspires listeners to get out of their comfort zone and live their lives without worrying about judgment from others, with MonoNeon encouraging, “If you want to come and take a ride with us, don’t be shy, you’re gonna look ridiculous.” Topped off with a bass breakdown that leads into a key change, “Jelly Roll” is yet another testament to MonoNeon’s multifaceted songwriting. The accompanying music video continues the retro feel with scenes from a roller rink, featuring MonoNeon in his signature colorful getup as he teaches viewers how to “do the jelly roll.”

LISTEN TO "JELLY ROLL" HERE
WATCH "JELLY ROLL" MUSIC VIDEO HERE

“‘Jelly Roll’ came about wanting to write a dance track where Morris Day and Donald Fagen meet… that’s what I was thinking of during the writing and recording of the song with my friend Davy,” shares MonoNeon. “‘Jelly Roll’ I guess blends the old with the new, the familiar with whateva the fyuck. It’s a track that’s as much a journey as it is a jam. This song, the spirit of it… is about letting go and dancing… not giving a fyuck who is watching you act a fool on the dance floor. Rub ya belly and move ya hands in the air.”

“Jelly Roll” is the follow-up to the recently released unifying single "Segreghetto" as well as “Quilted!,” a funky track with a feature from Parliament-Funkadelic’s George Clinton. Both tracks are offerings from MonoNeon’s upcoming album, Quilted Stereo, where fans can look forward to another iconic collaboration on the album with a Mavis Staples feature on the track “Full Circle,” as well as nine tracks of MonoNeon continuing to blur genre lines to hone his signature sonic style that has earned him countless accolades and global praise.

Presave the album digitally HERE
Preorder the vinyl HERE

Next month, MonoNeon will take his electric live show on the road for a 13-date US run, performing in Nashville, Boston, Oakland, and more. In May, he completed a 10-show run at the historic Blue Note in New York City, boasting special guest appearances from Eric Gales, Eshu Tune (Hannibal Buress), and Mike Stern. Fans can purchase tickets to the upcoming shows HERE, and a full list of dates can be found below.

TOUR DATES:

  • July 27 - Minneapolis, MN - Fine Line
  • July 28 - Chicago, IL - Outset
  • July 29 - St. Louis, MO - City Winery
  • July 31 - Nashville, TN - Exit/In
  • August 1 - Nashville, TN - City Winery
  • August 2 - Durham, NC - Missy Lane's
  • August 3 - Durham, NC - Missy Lane's
  • August 10 - Portland, OR - The Get Down
  • August 11 - Carnation, WA - The Thing Festival
  • August 30 - Memphis, TN - Overton Park Shell
  • November 11 - Groningen, Netherlands - Rockit Festival
  • November 15 - Milan, Italy - Blue Note
  • November 16 - Bologna, Italy - Locomotiv Club
  • November 18 - Zurich, Switzerland - Plaza
  • November 19 - Antwerp, Belgium - De Roma
  • November 21 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Melk Weg
  • November 22 - Utrecht, Netherlands - Tivoli Oudegracht
  • November 24 - London, United Kingdom - Earth Theatre
  • November 25 - Paris, France - Alhambra
  • November 27 - Cologne, Germany - CBE
  • November 29 - Oslo, Norway - Parkteatret
  • December 1 - Helsinki, Finland - Korjaamo
  • December 3 - Stockholm, Sweden - Debaser
  • December 4 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Hotel Cecil
  • December 5 - Hamburg, Germany - Knust
  • December 6 - Berlin, Germany - Gretchen Club
  • December 7 - Brno, Czech Republic - Metro Music Bar
  • December 10 - Warsaw, Poland - Klub Hybrydy
  • December 12 - Vienna, Austria - Porgy & Bess
  • December 13 - Budapest, Hungary - A38
  • December 15 - Tbilisi, Georgia - Republic Tbilisi

 

For more information and to stay updated on MonoNeon’s latest releases and tour dates, visit MonoNeon’s official website.

Sun, 06/23/2024 - 2:27 pm

The Henry Mancini family continues to celebrate what would have been the late legendary composer’s 100th birthday with the release of Henry Mancini’s The Henry Mancini 100th Sessions – Henry Has Company out today via Primary Wave Music. Listen to the album HERE.

The album comprises seven tracks and features guest appearances from John Williams, Herbie Hancock, Arturo Sandoval, Quincy Jones, Lizzo, Sir James Galway, Michael Bublé with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Pat Metheny, Take 6, Monica Mancini, Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Los Angeles Master Chorale, Stevie Wonder, Snarky Puppy, and Audrey Hepburn.

The Henry Mancini 100th Sessions – Henry Has Company will be available to stream in Dolby ATMOS. The Dolby ATMOS mixes were created by multi-time GRAMMY award winners Eric Schilling, Leslie Ann Jones & Steve Genewick and mastered by Michael Romanowski. The Dolby ATMOS mix of the album will be available to stream on all DSPs that support the format.

The Henry Mancini 100th Sessions – Henry Has Company Tracklisting

    Peter Gunn ft. Quincy Jones, John Williams, Herbie Hancock, and Arturo Sandoval
    Pink Panther ft. Lizzo and Sir James Galway
    Moon River ft. Michael Bublé with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
    Lujon (Slow Hot Wind) ft. Pat Metheny
    Days of Wine and Roses ft. Take 6 & Monica Mancini
    Baby Elephant Walk ft. Snarky Puppy
    Moon River / Audrey’s Letter ft. Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Los Angeles Master Chorale, Stevie Wonder, and Audrey Hepburn

This Sunday, June 23rd, The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and special guests Michael Bublé, Cynthia Erivo, and Monica Mancini will raise the curtain on the Bowl's 2024 season with a 100th birthday celebration for Henry Mancini conducted by the great Thomas Wilkins. Tickets are available HERE.

On Monday, June 24th, the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles will honor Mancini’s centennial with an event featuring live performances by Dave Koz, GRAMMY Award-nominated vocalist and Henry’s daughter Monica Mancini, plus multi-GRAMMY and Emmy recipient, producer and musician Gregg Field, along with an all-star band composed of L.A.’s finest studio musicians. In addition to the concert, the evening will also feature a panel Q&A with members of the Mancini family, as well as a couple of surprise guest artists. Tickets are available HERE.

On August 4th, music director, conductor, and arranger Kevin Stites will explore the music of legendary performer and film composer Henry Mancini for the annual Gala Benefit Evening at the Ravinia Festival. Curated and hosted by actor Rob Lindley, “Mancini at 100: The Music of Henry Mancini, from the big screen, to the small screen, to the stage and beyond” features Broadway vocalists Jessie Mueller (Waitress, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), Norm Lewis (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables), and Karen Mason (Sunset Boulevard), with all three making their Ravinia and CSO debuts.

This fall, The Extraordinary Life of Henry Mancini: Official Graphic Novel will hit shelves. From the humble beginnings of his father’s flute lessons to composing his Oscar-winner scores, this new graphic novel, written by David Calcano and illustrated by the award-winning studio Fantoons, illustrates every step in the journey of Henry Mancini’s pivotal and industry-shaping career and is available for pre-order here. Jon Burlingame’s book Dreamsville: Henry Mancini, Peter Gunn, and Music for TV Noir, chronicling the backstory of Peter Gunn and how its music propelled Mancini to fame and fortune, published earlier this month and is available for purchase via Amazon here.

On Monday, September 2nd, Edwin Outwater and the BBC Concert Orchestra will celebrate Mancini and his music in styles ranging from jazz to light classical and film music at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Among the classics to be performed are the slinky ‘Lujon’ and themes from The Pink Panther and Peter Gunn, joined by gems from the lounge music and space-age pop genres Mancini helped inspire, including easy-going tracks by Burt Bacharach, Les Baxter and Juan García Esquivel. Tickets are available for purchase here and the performance will also stream live on BBC Radio.

And on Saturday, September 28th, the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. will honor Henry’s 100th with a special concert event at the Library of Congress’ “Coolidge Theater”.

Wed, 07/10/2024 - 8:56 am

Today, GRAMMY Award-Winning bassist and experimental musician, MonoNeon, has released his new single “Full Circle” featuring iconic singer and civil rights activist Mavis Staples. The single is the latest from his upcoming album, Quilted Stereo, releasing July 26th via Court Square Recordings.

Kicking off a-cappella-style with a twanging guitar, “Full Circle” showcases MonoNeon’s impressive vocals, blending seamlessly with Staples’ in the chorus. The upbeat track is a masterful soul-funk fusion with a booming horn section kicking in during the bridge before MonoNeon and Staples let listeners in on a secret: “If you do good, it’ll get good - that’s the cheat code for life.”

“Mane I got George Clinton and Mavis Staples on this album… like forreal living out my childhood dreams on this one. We went to Chicago to meet and record Mavis Staples’ vocals,” explains MonoNeon. “When Mavis walked in the studio I could not stop smiling mane… she hugged me and held my hand! You know my dad (Dywane Thomas) played bass with Mavis and Pops Staples back in the 90’s… so for me to actually be singing a duet, playing guitar and bass on the song ‘Full Circle’ with Mavis is crazy and I love it!!”

“Full Circle” is the fourth offering from MonoNeon’s upcoming album, Quilted Stereo, out next month. The album, composed of nine tracks, sees MonoNeon continuing to blur genre lines to hone his signature sonic style that has earned him countless accolades and global praise. Previously-released singles “Jelly Roll,” “Segreghetto,” and “Quilted!,” the latter of which features another legendary collaboration with George Clinton of Parliament Funkadelic, gave listeners an early taste of what they can expect from the upcoming project.

Presave the album digitally HERE & preorder the vinyl HERE

In a few weeks, MonoNeon will bring his electric live show on a 13-date US run, performing in Nashville, Boston, Oakland, and more. Fans can purchase tickets HERE, and a full list of upcoming shows can be found below.

TOUR DATES:
July 27 - Minneapolis, MN - Fine Line
July 28 - Chicago, IL - Outset
July 29 - St. Louis, MO - City Winery
July 31 - Nashville, TN - Exit/In
August 1 - Nashville, TN - City Winery
August 2 - Durham, NC - Missy Lane's
August 3 - Durham, NC - Missy Lane's
August 10 - Portland, OR - The Get Down
August 11 - Carnation, WA - The Thing Festival
August 30 - Memphis, TN - Overton Park Shell
November 11 - Groningen, Netherlands - Rockit Festival
November 15 - Milan, Italy - Blue Note
November 16 - Bologna, Italy - Locomotiv Club
November 18 - Zurich, Switzerland - Plaza
November 19 - Antwerp, Belgium - De Roma
November 21 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Melk Weg
November 22 - Utrecht, Netherlands - Tivoli Oudegracht
November 24 - London, United Kingdom - Earth Theatre
November 25 - Paris, France - Alhambra
November 27 - Cologne, Germany - CBE
November 29 - Oslo, Norway - Parkteatret
December 1 - Helsinki, Finland - Korjaamo
December 3 - Stockholm, Sweden - Debaser
December 4 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Hotel Cecil
December 5 - Hamburg, Germany - Knust
December 6 - Berlin, Germany - Gretchen Club
December 7 - Brno, Czech Republic - Metro Music Bar
December 10 - Warsaw, Poland - Klub Hybrydy
December 12 - Vienna, Austria - Porgy & Bess
December 13 - Budapest, Hungary - A38
December 15 - Tbilisi, Georgia - Republic Tbilisi

Fri, 07/26/2024 - 2:59 pm

Court Square Recordings is thrilled to announce the release of Quilted Stereo, the latest album from the Grammy Award-winning bassist and experimental musician, MonoNeon. This musical journey, available today, captivates listeners with a dynamic blend of genres ranging from jazz and funk to hip-hop and beyond.

Known for pushing the boundaries of contemporary music, MonoNeon has collaborated with legends like Prince, Nas, and Mac Miller, solidifying his place as a trailblazer in the industry. Quilted Stereo invites listeners on a transformative musical odyssey that transcends genres and leaves a lasting impression. The project, made in collaboration with mentor and writing partner Davy Nathan (Mary J. Blige, Usher, Jennifer Hudson), features an impressive lineup of collaborators. Legendary Parliament-Funkadelic icon George Clinton lends his signature style to “Quilted!,” and the incomparable Mavis Staples adds depth and soul to "Full Circle."

Much like the intricate artistry of a quilt, Quilted Stereo weaves together diverse musical influences into a cohesive and vibrant tapestry. With each track, MonoNeon invites audiences to explore new dimensions of sound, pushing the boundaries of conventional music with his innovative approach. On finding his balance, he explains, “I think that balance came from early on with me wanting to combine a John Cage mentality with an Albert King mentality… or a Frank Zappa mentality with a Gangsta Boo thing. I’ve always been incorporating things that are pretty much not really related to each other… I find a lot of joy and fun in thinking like this. I want to play and create music like that... even with fashion. Just those kinda ideas alone are inspiration for me. The foundation with everything I do is the ‘Blues’… so with me knowing that… I can superimpose so much shiet with that thang.”

Commenting on the complexities of the album, MonoNeon shared, “It’s a fun album for me, but there is some heartache and sadness on this junt too that I’ve recently been fully accepting of letting people hear in my music. The songs ‘Church Of Your Heart’ and ‘Stereo’ be having me teary-eyed like a mug. So yea this album got a fun, melancholic thang on it… cry and dance at the same time.”

Listen Here: Quilted Stereo

Quilted Stereo Track Listing:

    Intro
    Quilted! ft. George Clinton
    Jelly Roll
    Full Circle ft. Mavis Staples
    Stereo
    Segreghetto
    Crown and Coke
    Church of Your Heart
    Another Man’s Treasure

Earlier this year, MonoNeon completed a 10-show run at the historic Blue Note in New York City, joined by special guests including Eric Gales, Eshu Tune (Hannibal Buress), and Mike Stern. Starting this month, he’ll bring his electric live show on a short US run, performing in Nashville, Boston, Oakland, and more in support of Quilted Stereo. Fans can purchase tickets here, and a full list of upcoming shows can be found below.

Tour Dates:

    July 27 - Minneapolis, MN - Fine Line
    July 28 - Chicago, IL - Outset
    July 29 - St. Louis, MO - City Winery
    July 30 - Nashville, TN - Exit/In
    August 1 - Durham, NC - Missy Lane's
    August 2 - Durham, NC - Missy Lane's
    August 9 - Oakland, CA - Yoshi’s Oakland
    August 10 - Portland, OR - The Get Down
    August 11 - Carnation, WA - The Thing Festival
    August 30 - Memphis, TN - Overton Park Shell
    November 9 - Groningen, Netherlands - Rockit Festival
    November 11 - Madrid, Spain - Madrid Jazz Festival
    November 12 - Barcelona, Spain - Sala La Paloma
    November 15 - Milan, Italy - Blue Note
    November 16 - Bologna, Italy - Locomotiv Club
    November 18 - Zurich, Switzerland - Plaza
    November 19 - Antwerp, Belgium - De Roma
    November 21 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Melk Weg
    November 22 - Utrecht, Netherlands - Tivoli Vrendenberg
    November 24 - London, United Kingdom - Earth Theatre
    November 25 - Paris, France - Alhambra
    November 27 - Cologne, Germany - CBE
    November 29 - Oslo, Norway - Parkteatret
    December 1 - Helsinki, Finland - Korjaamo
    December 3 - Stockholm, Sweden - Debaser
    December 4 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Hotel Cecil
    December 5 - Hamburg, Germany - Knust
    December 6 - Berlin, Germany - Gretchen Club
    December 7 - Brno, Czech Republic - Metro Music Bar
    December 8 - Katowice, Poland - Hipnoza
    December 10 - Warsaw, Poland - Klub Hybrydy
    December 12 - Vienna, Austria - Porgy & Bess
    December 13 - Budapest, Hungary - A38
    December 15 - Tbilisi, Georgia - Republic Tbilisi

About MonoNeon: MonoNeon, an American bassist and experimental musician from Memphis, is known for his social media presence and being one of the last people to work with music icon Prince. MonoNeon has contributed to Grammy Award-winning albums, including his participation on the 2020 Nas album King's Disease. In 2021, MonoNeon was nominated for a Grammy for his contribution and participation on Jacob Collier's album Djesse Vol. 1. He has also worked on Cory Henry's album, Operation Funk.

Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers has referred to Mono as “the greatest fucking electric bass player.” On November 1, 2022, Fender released the MonoNeon Collection, which included the MonoNeon Jazz Bass V Signature.

As for what is ahead for the artist in 2024, expect more social media content where he harmonizes the speech of viral clips found on TikTok and Instagram. As for his song development and studio time, he says, “I just want to keep making great music and take it up a notch, all I can think about is making music.”

For more information and updates, visit MonoNeon.