Mon, 05/09/2016 - 10:34 am

Award-winning recording artist Rachael Sage has announced the release of her forthcoming full-length studio album, "Choreographic", due May 20 (MPress/ILS/Caroline). On her latest offering of self-described "ballet-pop", Sage delivers a musically ambitious and emotionally accessible tribute to her very first love: Dance. Fresh off the heels of her 13th song placement on Lifetime TV's Dance Moms, Sage and her music have reached an ever-widening audience since her previous release "Blue Roses", amassing over 9.5 million views on YouTube.

Connecting to her roots in ballet, the NYC-based Sage "envisioned each song as a fully-choreographed multi-media experience" while crafting the album. The result is an inspired set of piano-based chamber-pop merging orchestral elements with her signature blend of folk, pop and rock. "Making this album was a meditation on my lifelong relationship to ballet and more recently, to lyrical dance. Dance gave me virtually everything I cherish as an artist: melody, expressiveness, a sense of ensemble, a love of costume and fashion, and foremost, discipline." Accordingly, Sage has several dance-centric videos in the works including one for her first single "I Don't Believe It", which explores the topic of bullying and will feature 3-time national dance champion Kaci King, an eleven-year-old performer who reached out to Sage on Facebook.

Sage, who contributed piano and guitar on the album, is joined by top-notch musicians including violinists Rachel Golub (Adele) and Lyris Hung (Indigo Girls), cellist Dave Eggar (A Great Big World), drummer Doug Yowell (Joe Jackson) and guest vocalists Peter Himmelman and Matt Nakoa. Featuring 12 brand-new tracks, the album was co-produced by Sage and Grammy® winner Andy Zulla (Idina Menzel, Rod Stewart) and engineered by Grammy® nominee John Shyloski (Johnny Winter, Diana Ross). A special bonus track, a charming rendition of Carole King's "So Far Away", will be available exclusively on the iTunes version.

Sage, who attended The School of American Ballet as a teen and is also a visual artist and poet, was on tour in Europe during the recent Paris bombings. She returned home and completed her album with a renewed sense of focus, determined more than ever to distill her vision into something unifying and genre-crossing. "The quintessential definition of dance, to me, is freedom. We're in a moment where we realize how precious creative freedom is, and what a gift it is to be able to share it with each other, across all borders and boundaries." On disarmingly honest songs like "I Don't Believe It", "Heaven" and "French Doors", incisive lyrics and yearning melodies merge into something expansive. The lexicon of ballet may be French, but in Sage's hands on "Choreographic", ballet-pop becomes a decidedly universal musical language.

Wed, 06/15/2016 - 10:06 am

Today Working Californians (WCA) announced that tickets are now on sale for its 5th annual live Labor Day benefit concert, Labor Day Music Festival, set for September 5, 2016 at the LA Memorial Coliseum's Exposition Park. Southern Californian local and Hip Hop legend Snoop Dogg will headline this year's event and join Grammy Award-Winning American Chicano Rock Band Los Lonely Boys, Latin-Jazz musician Poncho Sanchez, The New Orleans All-Star Band featuring: James Andrews, Herlin Riley and Detroit Brooks, and The Victor Orlando Orchestra and Funjala; Cuban Funk for the downtown music festival.

Labor Day Music Festival is an annual event, which celebrates workers and their unions, and honors the history and future of Labor Day in Los Angeles.  This year's diverse lineup of renowned musical talent will perform to benefit WCA, which fosters social innovation and invests in improving low-income communities. Tickets can be purchased beginning today - June 15th at 7 a.m. PST at www.workingcalifornians.org/splash

"Honoring the working men, women, their families and the businesses that believe in strong labor-management partnerships is our top priority," said Marvin Kropke, Co-Chair of Working Californians.  "Following the success of last year's concert, Working Californians promises to continue its mission to strengthen connections, shared interests and partnerships between California's large cross-section of working men and women."

Last year's concert featured Funk sensation George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelics, as well as Grammy-nominated artist Sheila E., which enlivened hundreds of people in attendance. Thousands of dollars were raised to promote WCA's efforts to strengthen social innovation and entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.

"We are extremely excited to once again be a part of Working Californians' Labor Day concert and we are proud that this year's performers will join us to help raise awareness and improve communities for working families," said Brian D'Arcy, Co-Chair of Working Californians.  "It is essential that we renew our efforts in providing more resources to our working families."

Fri, 07/22/2016 - 1:53 pm

Kiefer Sutherland's soulful baritone vocals and guitar licks continue to captivate audiences with his second music video, "Can't Stay Away," premiering exclusively this weekend during CMT's Hot 20 Countdown. The track is the latest release from Sutherland's debut album Down In A Hole, which will be released August 19 by Warner Music Nashville/Ironworks Music. Down In A Hole will be available for pre-order August 5.  Click here to download "Can't Stay Away." 

Sutherland, who co-wrote every song on the upcoming 11-track album with producer Jude Cole, including "Can't Stay Away," just wrapped up a North American tour that included sold-out dates across the U.S. and Canada.

"We wanted the biggest look for the premiere of Kiefer Sutherland's new song and video!" said Leslie Fram, CMT Senior VP of Music Strategy. 

"CMT's Hot 20 Countdown has a weekly large, loyal base of country music fans who want to see what's hot and new. "Can't Stay Away" captures the live, intimate, real and raw essence of what Kiefer has been doing on the road, playing small towns and small clubs. Undeniable!' Fram added.

CMT's Hot 20 Countdown airs Saturdays and Sundays at 9a/8c.

Earlier this year Sutherland gave fans a taste of his songwriting notebook when he released the pedal-steeled "Not Enough Whiskey."

"This record is the closest thing I've ever had to a journal or diary. All of these songs are pulled from my own personal experiences. There is something very satisfying about being able to look back on my own life, good times and bad, and express those sentiments in music. As much as I have enjoyed the writing and recording process, I am experiencing great joy now being able to play these songs to a live audience, which was something I hadn't counted on," Sutherland said of Down In A Hole.

Sutherland, an Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor, is known for his starring role on the Fox series "24," starring roles in movies like 'Stand By Me,' 'The Lost Boys,' 'Young Guns,' Flatliners,' and many more. Sutherland's upcoming ABC series "Designated Survivor" premieres this fall on ABC. 

Keep up with Sutherland on the road by visiting kiefersutherlandmusic.com or connect with Sutherland by following him on Twitter and Facebook.  

DOWN IN A HOLE TRACK LISTING:

1.    Can't Stay Away

2.    Truth In Your Eyes

3.    I'll Do Anything

4.    Not Enough Whiskey

5.    Going Home

6.    Calling Out Your Name

7.    My Best Friend

8.    Shirley Jean

9.    All She Wrote

10.  Down In A Hole

11.  Gonna Die

Wed, 08/24/2016 - 8:43 am
On September 16, Time Life invites music lovers to front row seats for ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME LIVE - VOLUME 2, a 180 gram "ticket" to the very best performances and all-star jams from the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.
 
The unique vinyl LP pressed in bold red/orange swirl, VOLUME 2 features an unforgettable "set list" including the biggest names in rock 'n' roll, performing in intimate settings and jamming in combinations not seen anywhere else!  A must-have for any LP library, the second release in the limited-edition ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME LIVE series is priced to collect at $25.98srp.
 
For the first time on vinyl, ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME LIVE - VOLUME 2 features a selection of the most memorable moments in the history of the induction ceremony, previously only available in digital and physical formats.  Featuring 10 choice tracks from 1990 through 2006, this LP includes performances from legendary, Rock Hall-caliber talents like Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, The Who, Johnny Cash, Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham, Jerry Lee Lewis and many more.  One of the hallmarks of Rock Hall performances are the unforgettable collaborations that take place: VOLUME 2 includes Eddie Vedder joining The Doors on their induction night (1993) on the classic "Roadhouse Blues"; Creedence Clearwater Revival's founder John Fogarty performing "Green River" with Springsteen and The Band's Robbie Robertson; and Springsteen and front man Axl Rose on The Beatles' "Come Together" at the 1994 ceremony when John Lennon was inducted as a solo artist.  A musical tribute to Wilson Pickett adds to the VOLUME 2 festivities, as do live performances from legends like Solomon Burke, The Young Rascals and more.
 
For over a quarter century, rock and roll's biggest stars have gathered annually on one special evening for an exclusive party and the ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME LIVE series celebrates this special evening.  Following the acclaimed VOLUME 1, which includes Prince's blistering guitar solo on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", additional limited-edition LP releases will follow in 2016, allowing fans to collect even more of these beloved performances on vinyl.  Additionally, the net proceeds go to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, which supports the exhibits and educational programs of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
 
ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME LIVE - VOLUME 2 (RED/ORANGE SWIRL)
 
Format: Vinyl LP
Genre:  Rock
 
Track Listing:
Side One
 
  • "Whole Lot Of Shakin' Going On" -- Jerry Lee Lewis (2005) 
  • "Roadhouse Blues" -- The Doors With Eddie Vedder (1993) 
  • "Pinball Wizard" -- The Who And The Rock Hall Jam Band (1990) 
  • "Big River" -- Johnny Cash And The Rock Hall Jam Band (1992) 
  • "Come Together" (A Tribute to John Lennon) - Bruce Springsteen And Axl Rose (1994) 
 
Side Two
 
  • "Landslide" -- Stevie Nicks And Lindsey Buckingham (1998) 
  • "Groovin'" -- The Young Rascals (1997) 
  • "634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)"/"Mustang Sally"/"Land Of 1000 Dances Medley" (A Tribute to Wilson Pickett) -- Solomon Burke, Marc Broussard And Leela James (2006) 
  • "Green River" -- John Fogerty & Friends (1993) 
  • "Let It Be" -- Paul McCartney And The Rock Hall Jam Band (1999) 
Tue, 05/23/2017 - 5:33 pm

Nashville's rising 'soulternative' siren, Stelle Amor, has just released her debut EP. Stelle Amor also recently celebrated the release with a show at Nashville's Exit/In this past Saturday, 5/20. The new EP features the previously released singles "Get Right" and "Spike's Groove".

About the record, Stelle said, "This is my very first EP so I wanted to show my diversity of genres and really make a strong point through the song selection. These songs were shaped around  a strong message or tell a story of how I got here. "Let's Just See" talks about a trip to Memphis I took with my producer; "Black Holes" and "Problem Child" are both songs written about past experiences that have really shaped me. "Bring It Back" is one of my favorite songs on the record. It's more light hearted; a reminder to just breathe and live life to the fullest!  We recorded in 5 different studios and even some parts in our home studio; this is an eclectic record and was pieced together over a year of sessions and lots of hard work. I was lucky to have Nashville's finest help me put it all together."

Stelle Amor has a mission to "serenade the world," inspiring people through her music and spreading the message of love and unity.
 
Stelle's introduction to music came from her parents playing classic rock, blues, and country albums in their home. She began writing around the same time other kids were learning to ride a bike. In addition to performing her songs at small venues in Louisville, Stelle would sneak into Stevie Ray's Blues Bar (she was only 18) and sit in with the band, improvising lyrics and singing the blues.  "Singing with those blues bands is when I realized my true calling as an artist and performer," she says. These encounters led her to a connection with Music Row veteran John Dorris, who urged her to move to Nashville to pursue music.

In 2015, Stelle met her producer, Dave Yarema, and her guitar player, Derek Toa, and really started finding her "soulternative" sound.  Derek called up his old roommates from Berklee, drummer John Wood and bassist Will Cafaro, and the magic happened instantaneously. "I have been lucky to work with a lot of talented musicians - but there is just something undeniable about our vibe together that really brought the music to the next level," says Stelle.
 
Stelle and her band spent the next several months writing, rehearsing and playing every show they could. Stelle has wooed audiences at countless Nashville venues, was a semi-finalist at Music City Big Break (2016), performed at B.B. King's Tribute Festival at Diamond Pub Concert Hall, and was featured on the TV show "Nashville Entertainment Weekly" as well as the "Women of Substance" podcast.
 
Stelle Amor's debut EP is set to release in May 2017 and  features such Nashville legends such as The McCrary Sisters, Maureen Murphy, Roy Agee, and Vinnie Ciesielski. The first single, "Get Right," and music video were debuted in November 2016. The music video for her second single, "Spike's Groove," will be released in March 2017.
Mon, 12/04/2017 - 7:46 pm

Nashville-based country pop singer Emily Hackett recorded a cover of John Lennon's "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" just in time for the holidays. "Recording this song has always been on my bucket list and the timing of it just seemed so appropriate with everything going on in the world this year."

Emily Hackett speaks the truth. The singer/songwriter raised in Atlanta, GA pulls these emotions into her music, stirring in an authentic blend of self-deprecation that is both unique and refreshing. What poises her against the rest of the soul of fiery artist ready to light up the stage, all the while still as honest as her southern roots. 

Stream/purchase "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" by Emily Hackett here: 

http://smarturl.it/EmilyHackettXmas

Thu, 01/25/2018 - 3:56 pm

Peter More and his bandmates are proud to debut their official video for "In the Basement", which premiered yesterday exclusively on Modern Vinyl. Both the song and video have an extensive background story, as the recording process was spread throughout several different locations and studios. The video is a montage of clippings from studio footage, concert shots and moments on the road. The camera follows the band as they travel through Mexico, Texas, California, Utah, Colorado, Woodstock and New York; including some footage from the tour dates where they accompanied Grace Potter.

The single, as well as the entire upcoming album, were produced by Steely Dan's Donald Fagen.

"I think Brian did a great job capturing the vibe and personality of the band throughout the various phases of the project with an immersive approach to filming that felt almost unnoticed by anyone in the room." - Peter More

About Peter More:

Peter More, former front man of Austin-based group Oh Whitney, has called several places home. The band originally formed in Brooklyn in 2011 before relocating to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico to record their eponymous album with drummer Rick Shlosser (Van Morrison/James Taylor). After touring in Mexico and Brazil for a stint, they returned stateside to Austin, TX to finish their forthcoming album produced by Donald Fagen (Steely Dan), set to release in 2017.