French industrial band, Chrysalide who are definitely not new to to scene, are finally getting the attention they deserve here in the US. Their sound reminds me of fresh new blend of Powerman5000 meets Davey Suicide with a side Skinny Puppy. Their new album Personal Revolutionis due out on October 14th via Dependent. They have released their first single off the album, Question Everything. Check it out here:
Chrysalide states, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 21st century, the century of all crisis: political, moral, economical, ecological and individual. It is now 14 years old, but it is already old and dying. As never before, the world has access to so much knowledge, and in the same time, as never before, the world knows so much mediocrity.To sum up: This world is totally fucked up.”
The instrumental rock band STS9 from Atlanta are ready to embark on a 25 date Autumn Tour 2014 which will kick off on October 9th at the Egyptian Room in Indianapolis. This will be the first official headlining tour in over a year for STS9.
Hot off their two-night sold-out run at the famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado earlier this month, the group–Hunter Brown (guitar/sequences), Jeffree Lerner (percussion), David Phipps(keyboards/synths), Zach Velmer (drums) and Alana Rocklin (bass)–will be supported on select dates by Grammy-winning producers J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League.
The 25-date tour will kick off October 9 at the Egyptian Room in Indianapolis and then make its way east stopping in Pittsburgh, Detroit, Grand Rapids and Portland before hitting New York Cityon Friday, October 17 at the Best Buy Theater. From there, the tour heads to Philadelphia, Boston, Washington, DC, Richmond, Knoxville, Chattanooga and Nashville. As the birthplace ofSTS9 over 15 years ago, the group will perform back-to-back nights in Atlanta on November 1 and 2 at The Tabernacle and then stop in Fayetteville, Tulsa, Dallas and Austin before wrapping up in California with performances at The Wiltern in Los Angeles on Friday, November 21 and Oakland’s Fox Theater on Saturday, November 22. See below for the full list of tour dates.
In December, STS9 will be joining friends Umphrey’s McGee and the Disco Biscuits for Dominican Holidaze December 3-7 at the Breathless Resort & Spa in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.This event is sold-out.
The band will then close out 2014 and ring in 2015 with three nights at the legendary Fillmore Auditorium in Denver, CO on December 31, January 2 and 3, 2015. Tickets go on-sale Wednesday, October 1 exclusively at http://sts9store.com.
Check out the dates below:
DATE
CITY
VENUE
Thu
10/9
Indianapolis, IN
Egyptian Room
Fri
10/10
Pittsburgh, PA
Stage AE
Sat
10/11
Detroit, MI
The Fillmore
Sun
10/12
Grand Rapids, MI
The Orbit Room
Thu
10/16
Portland, ME
State Theater
Fri
10/17
New York, NY
Best Buy Theater
Sat
10/18
Philadelphia, PA
Tower Theater
Sun
10/19
Boston, MA
House of Blues
Tue
10/21
Washington, DC
9:30 Club
Wed
10/22
Charlottesville, VA
Jefferson Theater
Thu
10/23
Richmond, VA
The National
Fri
10/24
Knoxville, TN
Tennessee Theater
Sat
10/25
Asheville, NC
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
Wed
10/29
Chattanooga, TN
Track 29
Thu
10/30
Birmingham, AL
Iron City Music Hall
Fri
10/31
Nashville, TN
War Memorial Auditorium
Sat
11/1
Atlanta, GA
The Tabernacle
Sun
11/2
Atlanta, GA
The Tabernacle
Tue
11/4
Oxford, MS
The Lyric
Wed
11/5
Fayetteville, AR
Town Center
Thu
11/6
Tulsa, OK
Cain’s Ballroom
Fri
11/7
Dallas, TX
House of Blues
Sat
11/8
Austin, TX
Austin Music Hall
Fri
11/21
Los Angeles, CA
The Wiltern
Sat
11/22
Oakland, CA
Fox Theater
Dec 3-7
Punta Cana, DR
Dominican Holidaze
Wed
12/31
Denver, CO
Fillmore Auditorium
Fri
1/2
Denver, CO
Fillmore Auditorium
Sat
1/3
Denver, CO
Fillmore Auditorium
Make sure to visit their social media sites and stay up to date on their latest news.
Earlier this year we brought you an interview with the amazingly talented Brev Sullivan (Rock of Ages). In case you missed it, make sure to check it out here. Interview with Brev Sullivan. Brev has been quite busy, with the release of his contemporary jazz guitar CD, Brand New Day (available on iTunes here) and performing with his bands. His band, Snakebite are about to set sail next month for the 4th KISS KRUISE which will sail to the Great Stirrup Cay on October 31st to November 4, 2014. The headliners of the cruise feature Kiss, Cheap Trick, Robin Zander’s, and Pat Travers. Snakebite will be performing on the Soundcheck Stage and will deliver some old school Original Heavy Vinyl Rock definitely proving that Rock n Roll is alive and thriving!
Snakebite are also set to release their new CD, Feel the Bite in early October. Just in time for you to be singing along with them on the Kiss Kruise! Make sure to visit their social media sites and stay up to date on their latest news. Make sure to also pick up Brev’s CD, Brand New Dayon Itunes or CDBaby.
Get ready for their new CD Feel the Bite and if you are in the Ft. Lauderdale area, don’t miss their show this Saturday on September 27th at Cheers, Food and Spirits. Visit their Facebook page for more details: https://www.facebook.com/Snakebiterockband.
TAUK are premiering their new song Friction which is off their soon to be released LP Collisions. TAUK has a very unique style that fuses together funk, melodic instrumental, blues, grooves and progressive rock. They successfully capture the listener through their instrumental music and create such depth and layers that blend fluidly. Their new single, Friction is the perfect example of that creative process. Check it out here:
Their new album, Collisions is set to release on July 22nd and was produced by legendary Grammy-Winner Robert Carranza (Mars Volta, Jack Johnson). Pre-Order of the 10-track LP,Collisions, available beginning today for just $10, here: http://tauk.bandcamp.com/. The band will celebrate their new album at their hometown Album Release Show at TheKnitting Factory in Brooklyn, NY on July 19th. Tickets are still available, here: http://tktwb.tw/1mqgXiW and all advance ticket purchases come with a physical copy of the new album, available for pickup at the show.
TAUK are currently out on tour and you can catch them at the following dates:
July 9 – Baltimore, MD @ The 8×10 w/ Cory Henry of Snarky Puppy & Jordan August Band (residency)
July 11 – Saugerties, NY @ Hudson Valley Project
July 12 – Berryville, VA @ Pasture Palooza Music & Arts Festival
July 16 – Baltimore, MD @ The 8×10 w/ ELM & Operation Friendship (residency)
July 19 – Brooklyn, NY @ The Knitting Factory (CD RELEASE SHOW)
July 23 – Baltimore, MD @ The 8×10 w/Freedom Enterprise (residency)
July 24 – Charlotte, NC @ White Water Center
July 25-26 – Floyd, VA @ Floyd Fest
July 30 – Baltimore, MD @ The 8×10 w/ Big Something & Soohan (residency)
July 31 – Wilmington, DE @ World Café Live w/Big Something
Aug 1 – Philadelphia, PA @ Grape Room w/Big Something
Aug 2 – Washington, DC @ The Hamilton w/Big Something
Aug 7 – Plains, PA @ River Street Jazz Café
Aug 8 – Bedford, PA @ Wills Mountain Festival
Aug 9 – Luray, VA @ Doah Fest
Aug 12 – Richmond, VA @ The Broadberry w/DJ Williams Projekt
Aug 13 – Roanoke, VA @ Martin’s
Aug 14 – Abingdon, VA @ Abingdon Music Experience
Aug 21 – Bartow, WV @ Camp Barefoot
Aug 22 – Southampton, NY @ Taps
Aug 29 – Ferguson, NC @ Mantrabash
Aug 30 – Charleston, SC @ The Pour House w/ZOOGMA
Sept 4-5 – Arrington, VA @ LOCKN’
Sept 6 – Hancock, NY @ Catskill Chill Music Festival
Sept 12 – Rock Camp, WV @ Pink Moon Festival
Oct 17 – Ozark, AR @ Harvest Festival
Oct 24 – Apache Pass, TX @ Art Outside
Nov 13-16 – Live Oak, FL @ Bear Creek Music Festival
Make sure to get your pre-order in for Collisions and also visit their social media sites so you can stay up to date on their latest news.
It might have been 4 years since the debut release of the successful album, “How To Be a Child and Win the War”, Electric Litany proves with their new album, they are ready to shine once again. Their new album, “Enduring Days You will Overcome” is an amazing collection of soul touching songs that embrace your spirit and breathes new life into your consciousness.
Greco-London band Electric Litany produced the album with Alan Parsons and recorded the album in several studios in London, Welsh and the island of Corfu and mastering was completed at Abbey Road Studios and is released through Inner Ear Records. The album is quite spectacular as you engage yourself into the brooding vocals amidst melancholic and dreamy atmospheres presenting itself as well orchestrated and captivating.
Check out their video for the song, Feather of Ecstasy which is off the new album:
I encourage you to check out the new album and get drawn in as your spirit is embraced and enlightened by Electric Litany.
NAMM 2014 was once again filled with so many great displays, new gear, artists performing. We looked forward to seeing Brev Sullivan once again and he was awesomely shredding away! We will have to try and get some videos up so you can check him out.
Brev not only is an amazingly talented musician, busy performing with his many bands; Lazy Bonez, FOF, an Snakebite to name a few, but he also shares his passion for music by teaching as well.
This week he had the opportunity to catch up with Brev and are pleased to bring you that interview here:
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Music Junkie Press:Thank you Brev for taking the time out to talk with us here at Music Junkie Press! It was great seeing you once again at NAMM. This year was a great one. How was your NAMM trip?
Brev:It is always an adventure and it gets better every year. I love it!
Music Junkie Press:You have been quite a busy man, what are you currently working on?
Brev: I just finished up a contemporary Jazz CD entitled Brand New Day. It has 8 tracks on it, a variety of contemporary sounding or smooth jazz original compositions. 4 out of the 8 feature my father (renowned jazz musician, Ira Sullivan) playing one of his many horns and he is a multi-instrumentalist so that could be any tune could be sax or flute or both.
Music Junkie Press: That is great! You told me before about how your father was instrumental in getting you into music. How was it working with your father?
Brev: Yes, well, my father is a mentor and a teacher to all, so it is no different him working with his son, than working with any of the many young people he has worked with throughout his careers, starting with Jaco Pastorius back in the ‘70s to now. So he won’t let me slip up either, just because I’m his kid.
Music Junkie Press: How old were you when you first picked up and played the guitar?
Brev: I actually started late. I didn’t really get serious until I was about seventeen, but my earliest memory was playing.. plinking around on the classical around 15.
Music Junkie Press:Do you remember what was the first song you learned to play in it’s entirety?
Brev: Yes, it was “GreenSleeves”. Well, you hear it around the holidays but it is considered a secular tune even though they play it at the holidays. I got to play that quite often.
Music Junkie Press:Do you remember what was your first guitar?
Brev: Yes, I do. That was the classic story, I was kid and I worked all summer cutting grass and trimming trees and I got a Palmer.
Music Junkie Press:Do you still have it? I know many like to keep their first guitar.
Brev: Not that one. Oh No, I don’t remember what happened to that.
Music Junkie Press: How about now, what is your current rig rundown?
Brev: I have two separate rigs that I am trying to combine. I have been currently using a combination of Bogner amps, DV Mark Amps which is still relatively new to the scene and they are wonderful amps. And then, I have been making use of some of the modern digital technology, I have been using the Axe FXs.
Music Junkie Press: Check out Brev and his band FOF as they performed at Sam Ash Music and utilizing the Axe FX II:
Music Junkie Press:In addition to being so active in performing, recording you also teach music. With all the different genres, sub genres, and that seems to be changing and ‘80s style Rock n Roll is definitely making a big comeback! Do you see a rise in young students who want to learn and play more original style rock n roll?
Brev: That is an interesting question. I see a rise in certain musical groups and artists out there that want to play, that are making headlines or headway in different style but, I see with most of my students that I encounter, I see them revisiting the old grassroots techniques of Jimmy Page and Hendrix. They find it new today as I did when I was growing up and as the people before me did. So, I would say in seeking originality, they would have to seek the grass roots first.
Music Junkie Press:Right now, it is so funny to see the young teens out there and you introduce them to other styles of original music, some of them just grasp on to it and they start researching all types of music on their own. Then they can incorporate it into their own style.
If you could go back and talk to your 14 year old self, what advice would you give to yourself?
Brev: That is a good question. At the time I was growing up, all these great bands that as you just mentioned are coming back and are still touring and still surviving, market themselves as a gang or as four great friends and that nothing can go wrong. I think that is a great model because they wouldn’t be able to sell what they are selling, which is great music and cool posters, cool lifestyle, however, it can limit your ability to survive in the real world which is, what I would tell myself, ‘These are great bands but maybe you should learn a few more tunes like the blues, some adventurous tunes, I know as silly as it sounds some Frank Sinatra, because these are the decades of music that people for the last century have listened to time and time again.” That music will allow any musician who can play to work constantly.
Music Junkie Press: Rock Of Ages was an iconic film that we loved. We can’t get enough of the ‘80s! Did you get to keep some of those crazy ’80 outfits from it?
Brev: Well, some of that stuff was my own, so Yes.
Music Junkie Press: What song from the ‘80s era would you say is your theme song or anthem song?
Brev: Well, interesting enough Mari, the music from Rock of Ages, I was aware of it and I loved it but I was more of a progressive guy. I was into Rush and I was into Van Halen, so Panama or Jump or something like that was more my theme song.
Music Junkie Press: That is great. Now do you have any shows coming up with Featured on Fridays or SnakeBite?
Brev: Yes, I do. In fact I have an interesting day tomorrow. I am playing with LazyBonez at Pirate Fest on the Treasure Coast in Florida and then I have a gig in the evening with Snakebite at the Coconut Creek Casino so geographically, I will need a plane to get to both gigs but it will be great.
Music Junkie Press: That is a busy one for you, a weekend of music!
Brev: Yes, and that is how I like it. FOF, Features on FridayBand will be throwing my CD release party in March, I haven’t set the date yet.
Music Junkie Press: So your CD will be released in March?
Brev:The CD is actually available now on Itunes, CDBaby under Brev Sullivan “Brand New Day”.
Music Junkie Press:We will definitely share those links on our site. Lastly, is there anything else you would like to share with our audience?
Brev: What I would like to share is, keep in mind that music played on a guitar, or a piano, or a trumpet, or any type of instrument is an age old tool that has absolutely no microchips, it doesn’t have the screen on it, it doesn’t have any texting on it, it is an age old creation of wire and wood and to this day, it is still the center of our universe as a musician or a fan and that is very powerful.
Music Junkie Press: That is so beautifully said. Music truly can heal them, help them, be there for them through the hardest times as well as be there for all the range of your emotions. I know for myself, it has been all those things. I am glad to see the younger generation finally appreciate that and get to the point where they know the music is there for them and it takes you on the journey of your life.
Brev:Yes, and I get that vibe when I look at MusicJunkiePress.com. It sounds like it is run and orchestrated by very excited people and seems very hip and up to date and very cool. Thank you for having me be a part of it.
Music Junkie Press:Thank you so much Brev. We are so excited to feature you and we will be sharing all your social media links and also where to pick up your new CD. Thank you so much for your time and have a wonderful weekend.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
We are excited to hear about the new CD, Brand New Day. One thing is for sure, listening to Jazz makes me feel so alive and that is exactly what you will feel listening to Brand New Day. It takes you on a musical journey filled with vibrant melodies, lively beats, and guitar tracks that actually sing to you. It is amazing and just after my first listen today, I wouldn’t even be able to tell you my favorites since they all captivate me. Blue City is the first song and sets the perfect tone for the whole album. Get ready to feel invigorated and Coming Home does just that for me. It literally took me back to the late 1970s as I would watch my older sisters sing and dance around in the garage, a time of simple fun and innocence. It has such a fantastic 70’s vibe meshed with amazing guitar and instrumental work. All the songs are magical and captivating and literally tell a tale with each song as the instruments speak to you in such a personal way. I have to thank you Brev, for reminding me of my long lost love of Jazz and congratulations on your excellent album.
I hope you have the chance to pick up Brev‘s new album and also visit his social media sites so you can stay up to date on all his latest news. If you are in Florida, see if you can catch one of his shows tomorrow! I will leave you with some videos of Brev performing.
Deadmau5 is set to return to Miami to perform a free show for his fans. Earlier in the year, deadmau5 expressed his grievance about an event of his which featured VIP/table crowd. The Ice Palace in Miami is a 60,000 square foot studio space and warehouse and can accommodate 4,000 guests for an all access show.
Photo Credit: Drew Ressler
The venue reached out to deadmau5 in an open letter which reads:
We read with great interest about your recent show in Miami, and your concerns about fans being placed in the back of the venue while trust fund kids paid premium prices to be placed in front of the DJ booth…
We would like to extend an invitation for you to make these fans happy by hosting a free show for them at our legendary venue, Space. We will extend complimentary admission to all your fans and they will be able to enjoy your music on our huge dance floor without trust fund kids or anything else between you and them.
Space will cover your expenses up to $25,000 for your choice of private plane and five-star hotel so that you can come down and give your fans the opportunity to see you for free and experience you up close, the way you intended.
Please give your fans and Miami another opportunity to show you just how great this city is to perform in and how much we love having you here.
Sincerely,
Space
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Well, deadmau5 quickly responded with a yes and now the show is set for next month! The concert will be held February 15, 2014 at the Ice Palace in downtown Miami.
So there you have it. Through the great wonders of social media, many fans prayers have been answered to catch a close up performance of the renowned electronic music producer, deadmau5. Registration for free tickets will begin tomorrow, January 28 at 2 pm ET at icepalace.wanttickets.com. All tickets will be charged a $1 processing fee, proceeds will go directly to Miami Children’s Hospital. For more information please visit icepalace.wantickets.com. So make sure to set your clock to get on at 2 pm ET and pick up your FREE TICKETS!
Day 4 of Guitarists goes to one of the most awesome shredders out there today, Jacky Vincent. Many may know Jacky as lead guitarist for Falling in Reverse but he also has a bad ass solo album that highlights is amazing guitar playing. Jacky has impeccable technique and is truly a guitar hero.
His solo album Star X Speed Story and it literally takes you through his high energy, lightning speed shredding. It is one of the top guitar instrumental albums out, right up there with Steve Vai, Jason Becker, Paul Gilbert and my true favorite; Michael Angelo Batio whom Jacky credits a lot of his guitar playing. Some of my personal faves on the album are Without You, Runaway Tryst, Venom Love, Fatal Envy and of course Maybe I am a Wolf. When you listen, you can seriously feel his guitar singing to you, it is absolutely magical how he makes each note come to life. You can pick up his album by heading over to Itunes here.
You can check out a tribute video that Rockin Ryan put together which includes footage and photos he took of Jacky Vincent from shows this year. Check it out here:
At NAMM 2013 Dean Guitars released and featured Jacky‘s own signature guitar. Jacky rocks the Dean C550 and Dean Z. You can check out more about his Dean Guitars and watch some demo videos from Dean here. Jacky says, “I am beyond words with enthusiasm for my Dean USA custom electric guitar. So get ready! This is a big milestone for me, thanks Dean Guitars!!”
So make sure to check out Jacky‘s CD, Star X Speed Story and pick up a copy couples for everyone’s stockings this Holiday. You can also watch Jacky in action shredding on his Youtube channel and make sure to follow him on Twitter so you can keep up to date on the latest Jacky Vincent news.
Chicago solo artist Slack Armada releases his new EP of mystical instrumental music reminiscent of early shoegaze electronica. James Hrabak is the founder and creator of Slack Armada and did not only all the instruments but all the production of recording, mixing and mastering on this four song self titled EP.
James literally brings the music to life without vocals and tells stories with each songs that float through your mind. James explains more about not using vocals, “The absence of vocals wasn’t a conscious decision at the beginning, As I was building up the tracks, I thought ‘Maybe I can make the music speak to somebody without the additional guide of a human voice.’ I wanted to let the listener be transported with fewer guideposts.” Well he truly succeeded in that manner and it is quite a journey that he takes you on.
The songs literally have depth and texture to them that you can almost feel as you listen. James lists some of his influences as Four Tet, My Bloody Valentine, Mogwai and Boards of Canada. His first song on the EP Rebirth is truly magical and almost paints a majestic scenery as you listen to it; feeling as if you are taking your first breath. Amazing work! Looper brings in some melodic guitars and a catchy rhythm.
So these days when we are literally overrun with thoughts and things to do, why not take some time sit back and enjoy the spectacular soundscape that Slack Armada created. Check out the EP and make sure to visit their social media sites.
We all have our photos of us ready for Throwback Thursday filled with big hair, 80’s outfits, MC Hammer pants, flashdance shirts and so much more…. But what about the music? We need to have a Throwback Thursday Music Feature and here it is…. our first one.
For my Throwback Thursday Music, is none other than The Spent Poets. I LOVED THIS BAND! I used to hang out at Paradise Lounge and DNA Lounge in San Francisco during the late ’80s and early ’90s and that is how I first found out about them. I think I first saw them when they were playing at the DNA Lounge and I picked up their self titled debut CD. Every single song became my fave.
They had such a unique sound! I used to hear the story of how they started by Adam Gates and Matt Winegar making homemade tapes that eventually got in the hands of Matt Wallace who had produced Faith No More. Then they added John Berg on keyboards, Derek Greenberg on bass and Michael Urbano on drums. Like their name suggest, their songs had references to pop culture and literary references and their music would include some creative yet bizarre instrumentation, tape effects, sound effects and more. They had songs that no only were great dance alterna-pop song but also fantastic melodies, electronic samples and more. I think this album was so far ahead of it’s time. I would discuss with friends how it was the best musical composition and they would listen and become hooked. Here is their video for my absolutely favorite song, Dogtown. (I just played it and I am still screaming with excitement, DAMN I Miss this band!!!)
So the next time you post your ThrowBackThursday Photo, why not include some music too. For now, check out some more of my favorite songs from The Spent Poets. I actually have three of their CDs since I wore out the first one and everytime I do find them on my trips to Amoeba Music or Rasputin Records, they are a must buy!
Music Junkie Press 