Not too long ago, we featured The Black Moods out of Arizona, you can read more from that post here. Now these 70’s inspired rockers are adding more dates to their tour and have released an awesome music video for Say It For The Last Time. Check out the video here:
The Black Moods is a three piece band that I can describe as having great guitar driven songs, infectious melodies, energetic vocals and an upgraded version of old school rock and roll. Imagine the great songwriting of Tom Petty meets the energy and passion of the Foo Fighters along with a side order of Collective Soul. They are Josh Kennedy on Lead Guitar/Vocals, Ryan Prier on Bass/Vocals and Chico – Drums/Percussion. Together they have collectively brought the rock influences of the past 40 years and have created their own unique signature sound.
Their tour is in support of their upcoming EP, Killers in The Night which is set for a July 15th release. Singer and guitarist Josh Kennedy offers, “I feel like we are an emotionally driven 70’s Rock ‘n’ Roll band. We just happen to have grown up in the nineties. We have a clear vision of the music we want to create, and it is reminiscent of a more classic rock style. I hope when people come to a show, or hear an album, they sense feeling, emotion and intensity.” Catch them out on tour at the following dates:
6/19 Springfield, MO The Outland Ballroom
6/20 St. Louis, MO Atomic Cowboy
6/21 Columbia, MO The Blue Fuge
6/27 Indianapolis, IN The Rathskeller
6/28 Joplin, MO The Kitchen Pass
7/04 Wheaton, MO 4th of July Event Wheaton Park
7/10 Kansas City, MO Tanners
7/11 Cudahy, WI Metal Grill
7/12 Springfield, MO Outland
7/26 Tulsa, OK Tulsa Raceway Park
8/01 Indianapolis, IN The Rathskeller
8/22 Joplin, MO The Kitchen Pass
8/23 Wheaton, MO Wheaton BBQ
9/20 Tulsa, OK Tulsa Raceway Park
9/27 Springfield, MO Catoons Oyster Bar
This is a band that you will definitely be hearing a lot from in 2014 and don’t miss seeing them live if you get the chance. Make sure to visit their social media sites and we will bring you more news on this awesome band.
Welsh post-hardcore band Funeral For a Friend has premiered a new cover of BoysSetFire song, “Rookie”. The song is featured on the two track split record BoySetsFire covering Funeral For A Friend’s fan favorite “1045 Amsterdam Conversations.” The split 7” vinyl will be released in the U.S. on May 13th by No Sleep Records and is currently available for pre-orderhttp://nslp.co/bsfffaf. Check out the song here:
“When it came down to figuring out what BSF track we wanted to cover it wasn’t easy,” says FFAF’s Matthew Davies. “We all had our favourites but we just had to figure out which song collectively made sense. After the Eulogy is such an inspirational record and we all love “Rookie,” it’s probably the most recognizable BSF song and we figured because of it’s connection with people that we should give it a shot. We recorded it in a day. It was so much fun to play, it’s such an anthem.”
Make sure to visit their social media sites so you can stay up to date on their latest news.
Just last month we featured The Black Moods out of Arizona, you can read more from that post here. Now these 70’s inspired rockers are set to begin their Midwest and Southwest tour on May 7th at The Rathskeller in Indianapolis, IN and finish up on May 31st at the Prescott Festival in Arizona.
The Black Moods is a three piece band that I can describe as having great guitar driven songs, infectious melodies, energetic vocals and an upgraded version of old school rock and roll. Imagine the great songwriting of Tom Petty meets the energy and passion of the Foo Fighters along with a side order of Collective Soul. They are Josh Kennedy on Lead Guitar/Vocals, Ryan Prier on Bass/Vocals and Chico – Drums/Percussion. Together they have collectively brought the rock influences of the past 40 years and have created their own unique signature sound.
Their tour is in support of their upcoming EP, Killers in The Night which is set for a July 15th release. Singer and guitarist Josh Kennedy offers, “I feel like we are an emotionally driven 70’s Rock ‘n’ Roll band. We just happen to have grown up in the nineties. We have a clear vision of the music we want to create, and it is reminiscent of a more classic rock style. I hope when people come to a show, or hear an album, they sense feeling, emotion and intensity.” Catch them out on tour at the following dates:
5/07 Indianapolis, IN The Rathskeller
5/08 Chicago, IL The Original Mothers
5/09 Indianapolis, IN The Rathskeller
5/10 Wheaton, MO Double Deuce
5/13 Fayetteville, AR The Stolen Glass
5/15 Rio Rancho, NM The Damn Bar
5/16 Prescott, AZ Bricks and Bones
5/17 Prescott Valley, AZ Prescott Valley Amphitheatre
5/17 Prescott Valley, AZ Jackass Bar and Grill
5/23 Monett, MO Bumpers Bar and Grill
5/24 Neosho, MO Neosho Music Festival
5/24 Tulsa, OK Tulsa Raceway Park
5/30 Scottsdale, AZ Rockbar Inc.
5/31 Prescott, AZ Prescott Festival
This is a band that you will definitely be hearing a lot from in 2014! Check out their latest music video for their song, Don’t Let Them Get You Down
Make sure to visit their social media sites and we will bring you more news on this awesome band.
Some people dread Mondays but I love them. I love the challenge of a new week ahead, new beginnings and especially finding new music to share with you all. Today I have a great band out of Arizona, a three piece rock band, The Black Moods. How do I describe them? Well, let’s see, they have great guitar driven songs, infectious melodies, energetic vocals and an upgraded version of old school rock and roll. Imagine the great songwriting of Tom Petty meets the energy and passion of the Foo Fighters along with a side order of Collective Soul. They are Josh Kennedy on Lead Guitar/Vocals, Ryan Prier on Bass/Vocals and Chico – Drums/Percussion. Together they have collectively brought the rock influences of the past 40 years and have created their own unique signature sound. You are going to love them, I know I instantly did after checking out their latest music video for their song, Don’t Let Them Get You Down
Don’t Let Them Get You Down is off of their self titled debut album and can be picked up on Itunes here, Amazon here or the CD through their website here. Definitely, a band for you to keep your eyes on. They have also released an amazing cover of the Genesis song, “I Can’t Dance” which honestly I think is even better! This is quite a talented trio and I am looking forward to more new music from them. Check out their cover of “I Can’t Dance” here:
If you are in the Los Angeles area, you can catch The Black Moods perform at the House of Blues on Sunset Strip in Hollywood on April 24th for The Ox and the Loon ( A Night of Rhythmic Lunacy in honor of John Entwistle and Keith Moon of the Who). The night is filled with great music by amazing musicians. The Black Moods are set to go on at 7:30 pm.
Make sure to visit their social media sites and we will bring you more news on this awesome band.
Just last week, I told you about Todd Morse and his wonderful project,Toddsplanet. They did the most amazing cover of the AC/DC classic, “Back in Black”. If you missed it, check our post here.
You might know Todd from H20 as well as touring with The Offspring but I want you to get to know more about Todd and his new project, TODDSPLANET. They recorded the song at DPS Studios and it was produced by MA3 Productions. You can check out the cover here:
Todd has been busy with his music but that is just the way he loves it. Learn more about Todd Morse in our recent interview with him.
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Music Junkie Press:Todd, we first have to say that your cover with TODDSPLANET is absolutely amazing! What was behind the making of the cover?
Todd: I’ve had the idea to do “Back In Black” that way for about five years. It’s such a classic song that everyone knows, but when bands try and play it like AC/DC it always falls short in my opinion. Besides, I can’t sing like Brian Johnson so I had to give it my own twist!
Music Junkie Press: Well I am glad you gave it your twist, because it is awesome! How did Toddsplanet get started?
Todd: I wanted to do a cover band that was creative, that approached classic songs in an artistic way. I also missed the soulful approach to rock music that comes with a horn section and female back up singers. I love the Rolling Stones and Bob Marley And The Wailers because of all those extra elements moving the songs.
Music Junkie Press:You have been so busy touring with The Offspring and H20, how did you find a time for TODDSPLANET or is it something that you have been working on for a while?
Todd: Music doesn’t stop for me when I’m off the road. I get depressed if I go too long without playing live. I came to realize I’m not the guy that can sit in front of a computer screen recording all day. I need to put music in the air and watch how it vibrates people.
Music Junkie Press: I have watched some of the videos out of Toddsplanet and really loving it! There is so much passion in your performances, will there be more music from Toddsplanet? i.e. tour, CD, etc.
Todd: Thanks! TODDSPLANET live IS what it’s all about. I’m only making videos to introduce the band. As a tool to book gigs. The next song and video will be an original I wrote called “My Shoes” We are mainly a cover band, but many great bands start out that way. It’s important to study the classics.
Music Junkie Press: I am so looking forward to “My Shoes”! How old were you when you first realized that music was the career path you wanted to follow?
Todd: I asked my dad for a guitar when I was like 4 years old but I never thought about making money at it until I joined H2O in my late 20’s
Music Junkie Press: You started young with the guitar. Do you have any specific song writing process?
Todd: It starts in different ways for me, a riff, a beat or just picking something up out of the silence, out of the ether. For me, the most important frame to build a song around is the vocal melody
Music Junkie Press: Growing up, what were the most influential artists for you?
Todd: I grew up on punk rock. Bands like The Ramones, Sex Pistols, and the Dead Kennedys. The Clash opened up my mind to other styles like reggae. blues, and funk. As punk rock became more sanitized and mainstream I started gravitating backwards to blues, soul and roots music. I joined Juliette And The Licks in 2002 and finally had a chance to start writing and performing songs that had that classic and timeless influence, blended with my punk roots.
Music Junkie Press: I love the punk rock influences and blues is always in my heart. If you could go back and talk to your 14 year old self, what advice would you give to yourself?
Todd: Learn how to write great songs first, before anything. Great songs bring you real fans. Record deals, managers, videos and fancy gear all mean nothing without great songs and true fans to connect with.
Music Junkie Press: If I could peak into your Ipod, what artist or song might I be most surprised about finding in there?
Todd: Vocal warm ups and Offspring songs ha ha it’s a work tool for me. I’m a Spotify guy.
Music Junkie Press: What is in store for TODDSPLANET, H20 and Offspring for 2014?
Todd: TODDSPLANET will continue recording and the plan is to start playing lot’s of shows in early 2014. H2O are writing a new record in 2014 with Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory producing again. Next spring will be the 20th anniversary of the Offspring classic “Smash” so I imagine I will be busy!
Music Junkie Press: I can’t wait to see TODSPLANET come to town!! I am very excited about the new H2O album! With the holidays coming up…. What was the oddest gift you have ever received?
Todd: I think I got a Chia Pet once
Music Junkie Press: I remember those! What is your favorite holiday food?
Todd: Mashed potatoes and vegan stuffing!
Music Junkie Press: What is your favorite holiday tradition and do you still do it?
Todd: yes, whiskey!
Music Junkie Press: Lastly, is there anything else you would like to share with our audience?
Todd: Yes, I will try really hard not to waste your time with any music that isn’t 100 % from the heart and fun!
LET’S BE SOCIAL!
Twitter.com/toddsplanet
Facebook.com/toddsplanet
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That is exciting news about TODDSPLANET touring, a new H2O album and the 20th anniversary of The Offspring “SMASH”. It definitely will be a busy year for Todd. He is such a fantastic and talented musician and it was an honor to interview him. Make sure to visit his social media sites so you can stay up to date on all his latest news!
This has been quite a year for UK rockers Heaven’s Basement. They stole the show at the Ernie Ball stage during the Aftershock Festival in September. You can read more about that here. Then they went out on tour with The Pretty Reckless and Louna and were amazing! You can check out more about that here. They have recently finished up the Going To Hell Tour and returned home. They then went to perform a cover for Phil Taggart and Alice Levine for the Live Lounge on BBC Radio 1. Well, it was quite an AMAZING performance!
Heaven’s Basement performed a cover of Lady Ga Ga’s Do What U Want. Honestly, this cover quite trumps the original by tenfold! The emotion and passion that Heaven’s Basement put into their performances comes out loud and clear in this video. Check it out and be amazed!
Heaven’s Basement have been so busy this year touring in support of their album, Filthy Empire that is filled with hits and all the songs remain on my current playlist! They have a short time at home and then it is back to touring starting this Friday for a European Tour with Black Veil Brides. You can check the tour dates on their website but almost all shows have been sold out for a while now.
You can also get your pre-order in now for Heaven’s Basement‘s Special Edition of Filthy Empire that includes bonus live tracks from their 100 Club show and videos from Download Festival. It will definitely be one to add to your collection and you can pre-order here on Itunes.
For now, I will leave you with some videos which include our two interviews with members of Heaven’s Basement as well as a tribute video that Rockin Ryan put together from footage and photos of their set during the Going To Hell show in San Francisco.
~ Enjoy, Marisol
Aftershock Interview with Rob and Aaron
Slim’s Interview with Aaron and Sid
Tribute Video from Going To Hell Tour SF Show
So make sure to check out their social media sites and stay up to date on where they will be playing. This is one of those bands that you want to keep your eye on because you DON’T want to miss catching them play a show near you. It just might turn out to be your favorite concert! Pure Hard Rock n Roll with no Fluff!!!
You all know that I love cover songs, particularly hybrid or unconventional cover songs. Those that completely have someone take the song and truly make it their own. They are imitating or covering a song like you might find during happy hour at the nightclubs. This is a cover that completely takes on a new life. Last month I wrote about Ben Draiman, brother of David DraimAn of Disturbed and Device and how Ben did an amazing cover of Disturbed’s song Stricken. You can read more about that here.
This time I wanted to introduce you to a great groovin cover of AC/DC’s Back in Black. One of the most timeless covers that you might find at any rock and roll show. The cover is performed by Todd Morse and his new project TODDSPLANET. They released a video of the cover and I am completely blown over by this one. It has such a catchy cool sound yet you can pick up the familiar lyrics. It is like seeing an old friend for the first time in 25 years, they physically have changed and yet the more you look at them, all that familiarity comes back in this new look. You love the old friend and you love the version just as much. Check out the song here:
They recorded the song at DPS Studios and it was produced by MA3 Productions. Todd has been busy touring with The Offspring and then H2O and then he still has time to take us on his musical journey with TODDSPLANET. I am excited to see what else he has in store for us. We will see if we can bring you an interview with this amazingly talented musician. For now, visit their social media sites and stay up to date!
Earlier this month, we brought to you an interview with Ben Draiman, younger brother of David Draiman of Disturbed and Device. During that interview Ben credited Raz Klinghoffer of EarlyRise and how he gave him great advice with his spectacular cover of Disturbed’s “Stricken”. You can read that interview here:
Raz Klinghoffer definitely knows how to do a cover song and make it magical. Raz and his band EarlyRise took Korn’s “Narcissistic Cannibal” and made an incredibly powerful version that is literally breathtaking. Orly Lari’s vocals remind me of a cross between Haley Williams and Cristina Scabbia, two amazing female artists. You can check out the song here:
EarlyRise currently has their debut album, “What If” out and is filled with dynamic songs that bring such depth to their music as they have succeeded in what they set out to do, “set out on a unique journey, mixing the poetic side of music with the edgier side of rock”. It is definitely a CD to treasure, complete with emotionally driven lyrics, energetic melodies, and much more to take you on a ride of emotions.
We recently had the opportunity to interview Raz and are pleased to bring you the interview:
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Music Junkie Press:Thank you so much for taking the time out to talk with us at Music Junkie Press. We were first introduced to you via Ben Draiman after we discussed his recent cover “Stricken”. He credits you with the making of “Stricken” after you two discussed cover versions and how to make them 180-degrees different. Ben definitely did that, what do you think of his cover?
RAZ: I really like Ben’s interpretation; he gave it his own sound, which is exactly what covers should be about. It’s an amazing interpretation that will bring the song to a new audience, one that doesn’t necessarily even normally relate to Hard Rock.
Music Junkie Press: You have your own amazing cover of Korn’s Narcissistic Cannibal. How did that one come about?
RAZ: When I first heard Korn’s “Narcissistic Cannibal,” I instantly really liked it. After listening to it for a while, I started imagining how Orly would sound singing it. I suggested we cover the song; fortunately, she was into it. We started experimenting and we recorded a few versions until we came to the final version that we released.
Music Junkie Press: It really is a work of art and you all did such an amazing job! Also what is great about doing a cover is you open yourselves to a whole new audience just by capturing their attention on your cover. After that cover, did you see that big jump in your fan base as well?
RAZ: Well, to be honest, not really. Our fanbase has been growing at a certain rate over the past 3 years because we make an effort to release a new song or video often enough to keep our fans engaged and interested. Because of the way we’ve built up our fanbase, “Narcissistic Cannibal” didn’t move the needle any more than our other singles releases. That said we’re still really proud of it.
Music Junkie Press:Raz, you and Orly make a dynamic writing team. Do you have any specific writing process or song writing ritual?
RAZ: Not really actually: Orly can bring a song with only an idea written on the piano, I can bring an idea on the guitar, or we can each work on an instrumental Ido and I created and then come up with an idea for a melody. Each song is different, mostly because to me it always sounds different depending on how you write it – with a piano, a guitar, a full band instrumental, etc.
Music Junkie Press:We just heard EarlyRise is being featured on the RockSmith 2014 game, what song(s) will you have on there?
RAZ: “Wasteland.” Ubisoft did a great job incorporating our song into the game.
Music Junkie Press: That is going to be great! I think we will have to pick our copy up! Are you currently working on a new album to follow up “What If?”
RAZ:Yes, we are. We currently have around 60 rough demos. So there’s quite a lot to choose from, but we really want this album to be even better than ‘What If.’ Some of our new songs will surprise our fans.
Music Junkie Press: Where are you recording your album?
RAZ:I have my own studio, we are recording it there.
Music Junkie Press: Can you tell us what we can expect from the next album?
RAZ:You can expect the EarlyRise sound from the last record mixed with some bold and deliberate experimentation. We want to continue to evolve, so we’re playing around with some electronic sounds, heavier guitar riffs, etc.. Since we’re in the middle of the recording process, we still don’t know how it will ultimately end up sounding ourselves. We are very excited about what we’ve been working on so far, though, and we can’t wait to share it with our fans.
Music Junkie Press: We at Music Junkie Press have always been strong believers that Music can heal the soul, touch your heart and be there for someone during their hardest times. Do you have a personal story to share where Music was there for you?
RAZ: All I can say is that music is my healer and my drug. It’s not just a hobby, it’s my job. I can’t see my life without it.
Music Junkie Press: One of your songs, Face Me, is just so emotionally empowering, can you tell me more about that song?
RAZ: Actually, Orly wrote that song, so I can’t really speak for her. However, I agree it’s a very empowering song, and a fan favorite.
Music Junkie Press:If I could peak into your iPod, what artist or song might I be most surprised at finding in there?
RAZ:Since I produce music in addition to being EarlyRise’s guitar player, I try to stay updated not just with the Rock scene, but also with what’s going on in other genres. I think the most surprising music you’ll find is Cuban Timba which I really like, I really love the groove of the music.
Music Junkie Press: As a guitar player, how old were you when you first started playing and can you remember what was the first song you learned in its entirety?
RAZ: I was 13, and my first song was “Under the Sun” by Scorpions. My big brother taught me how to play the opening riff.
Music Junkie Press: Will EarlyRise be touring soon? If you could put together your dream lineup with three bands living or dead, who would it be?
RAZ: We are very busy with our second album, so unfortunately we won’t be touring soon, we really want to finish it and release it in early-mid 2014. I think my dream lineup would include the first band I fell in love with, Scorpions, then Megadeth, then Linkin Park. That would be quite a show!
Music Junkie Press: Lastly, is there anything else you would like to share with our audience?
RAZ: I would like to ask our fans to be patient with the release of our second album; we’re working really hard on it and we won’t let you down!
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We are so excited to hear that EarlyRise is working on the new album and we will keep you posted when we get updates. For now, make sure to visit their social media sites and if you don’t have it yet, pick up their CD, “What If”. Believe me, you will be happy you did! Then let me know which are your favorite songs on it. I will leave you with the lyric video for Oblivious and EarlyRise‘s acoustic version of “Old Friend“.
Music Junkie Press 