Grammy Nominated Duo The Runners release their first original dance floor production, We Will Stand. The Miami-based production duo of Dru Brett and Mayne Zane are stepping out with their first original dance floor production “We Will Stand,” available at iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id921827269. THE RUNNERS team with NYC producer Alec Maire for this beautiful burner of a big floor house track. It features vocals by Frederick with lyrics penned by Jenson Vaughn, who wrote Armin Van Buuren‘s cross-over smash “This Is What It Feels Like.” Check out the track here:
Incorporating their innate knack for a smash with fresh eyes on the scene, THE RUNNERS began fine-tuning their own sound. As a result, they channeled something slick, sexy, and soaring that’s perfect for getting bodies moving from Miami to Madrid.
The Grammy nominated Swedish DJ/produer ALESSO has just released his new music video for his song, Heroes (we could be) which features Tove Lo. The video stars ALESSO and Tove Lo as themselves and directed by Emil Nava, the video follows a group of children with secret, supernatural powers who are locked up and forced to hide their true identities–until our hero arrives to set them free in emphatic fashion. Tapping into his willingness to push boundaries, ALESSO’s style resonates through his videos and his live shows; his recent video for “Tear The Roof Up” was shot entirely in monochrome and based around the concept of Alpha and Omega and a journey through heaven and hell. Check out the video here:
The song is set to release on November 16th. ALESSO will be returning to the US for a headlining show at The Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles on November 22 having previously sold out the venues on his world-dominating “Uprising” tour last year. There is also a show planned for San Francisco at this year’s Spookfest. Take a look at the upcoming show dates:
DATE
CITY
VENUE
Fri
10/31
San Francisco, CA
Spookfest
Sat
11/1
Seattle, WA
FreakNight Festival
Fri
11/7
Orlando, FL
EDC Orlando
Sat
11/22
Los Angeles, CA
Shrine Expo Hall
Sat
11/29
Sydney, Australia
Stereosonic
Sun
11/30
Perth, Australia
Stereosonic
Sat
12/6
Adelaide, Australia
Stereosonic
Sat
12/6
Melbourne, Australia
Stereosonic
Sun
12/7
Brisbane, Australia
Stereosonic
Thu
12/18
London, UK
o2 Academy Brixton
Fri
12/19
London, UK
o2 Academy Brixton
Sat
12/20
Manchester, UK
The Warehouse Project
Thu
12/31
Las Vegas, NV
LIGHT Nightclub
Make sure to visit his social media sites and stay up to date on the latest news.
I am really excited about the upcoming Black Mass 2014 Tour by Black Veil Brides. They have definitely created a lineup that will feature great styles of music all while insuring everyone to have a great time. Along with support by Falling in Reverse and Set It Off, you will get treated to the eclectic and energetic music of the Drama Club.
The producer/DJ duo Drama Club can be described as Electro House/Shock Pop, but there is no need to categorize them into a genre checkbox. Just simply put, their music will make you feel alive, dance your ass off and embrace your individuality and maintaining a positive spirit. Might be a tall order for some, but not for (The Twins) Zero and Andromeda, whom completely embody the self-empowering nature of their music. Drama Club explains,
“There are no barriers in music as far as we’re concerned, Kids today, have a broad range of musical tastes and are very open mined. We’re mixing together tons of music for this tour. Blending Rock, Electro-house, and everything in between. We’ve already done a sick remix of Andy Black’s ‘They Don’t Need To Understand’ and are currently putting our spin on some Asking Alexandria, The Used, Bring Me The Horizon, and many more.
Drama Club is all about self-empowerment, following your dreams, embracing your own individuality, and, above all else, self-expression through art and music. Black Veil Brides may be a hard rock band, but this tour made perfect sense for Drama Club because of the positive spirit and energy that we all have in common. Black Veil Brides create incredibly empowering music and their shows bring thousands of like-minded people together to celebrate in harmony. We are all about that energy, expression, and acceptance. We are incredibly excited to be part of the Black Mass Tour.”
They have just released their music video for their new single, Halloween 365 (Never Coming Down) and check it out here:
Check out the tour dates for the upcoming Black Mass Tour and see if they will be coming to a venue near you:
Oct 21 – Niagara Falls, NY @ Rapids Theatre
Oct 22 – Columbus, OH @ The LC Pavilion
Oct 24 – St. Paul, MN @ Myth
Oct 25 – Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre
Oct 27 – Denver, CO @ The Fillmore Auditorium
Oct 30 – Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
Oct 31 – Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee Theatre
Nov 01 – Los Angeles, CA @ Wiltern Theatre
Nov 03 – San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
Nov 05 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
Nov 07 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox SODO
Nov 08 – Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory Concert House
Nov 09 – Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory Concert House
Nov 10 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex
Nov 12 – Kansas City, MO @ Uptown Theater
Nov 14 – Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
Nov 15 – Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
Nov 16 – Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theatre
Nov 17 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
Nov 19 – Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
Nov 21 – Stroudsburg, PA @ Sherman Theater
Nov 22 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
Nov 23 – New York, NY @ Best Buy Theater
Nov 26 – Portland, ME @ State Theatre
Nov 28 – Clifton Park, NY @ Upstate Concert Hall
Nov 29 – Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore Silver Spring
Dec 02 – Louisville, KY @ Expo Five
Dec 03 – Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle
Dec 04 – Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House Of Blues
Dec 05 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore Charlotte
Dec 06 – Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa
Dec 08 – Grand Rapids, MI @ The Orbit Room
Dec 09 – St Louis, MO @ The Pageant
Dec 11 – Houston, TX @ Bayou Music Center
Dec 12 – Dallas, TX @ South Side Ballroom
Dec 13 – San Antonio, TX @ Backstage Live
Dec 15 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
I hope you get a chance to check out Drama Club. We are happy to see a San Francisco date on November 3rd and plan on bringing you full coverage on this amazing new band. Make sure to visit the social media sites and stay up to date on their latest news.
If you have ever been inside the pizza parlor of the DNA Lounge, you may have noticed all the cool concert posters of bands who have graced the stages of the DNA Lounge. You might even see the four or five My Life With Thrill Kill Kult posters there. The DNA has a long history in San Francisco and I can remember spending many late nights in the late 80’s and 90’s. It has since become one of the favored venues by artists to perform.
We were excited to catch the return of My Life With Thrill Kill Kult as they made a stop in San Francisco for their “Spooky Tricks” Tour in support of their new album of the same title. It was an awesome night that started off with a spectacular set by San Jose symphonic metal band, Retconstruct. You can read more about Retconstruct here. Then there was a set by DJ Toxic Rainbow to get everyone in the dancing mood.
DJ Toxic Rainbow
Retconstruct
Then as My Life With Thrill Kill Kult took to the stage, the venue was packed and everyone was cheering them on. They put on an energetic, charismatic set that had everyone mesmerized and invigorated. Vocalist, Groovie Mann seduced the audience with his vocals and his sultry style. He has such a magnetic personality and infectious stage presence. He reminds me of an Iggy Pop/Jim Morrison hybrid, yet he has his own style that cannot be imitated. Buzz McCoy on keyboards and backing vocals elicits the magic in each song to compliment Groovie Mann.
Weston Halvorson is a fireball on his guitar and hidden under his hat, he makes it seem so easy. Yet, he careens around wielding his guitar and firing up the crowd. Mimi Star in her ferocious feline fashion purrs on her bass lines and holds the audience captive. Justin Thyme delivered another high powered set on his drums as he smiles to the crowd, letting everyone know that he truly loves to perform.
One thing is for sure, if you have not seen My Life With Thrill Kill Kult perform, make sure to get yourself to a show. They are just finishing up their Spooky Tricks Tour and you can pick up their new album on iTunes here. This band may have a 25+ year history but there is no signs of slowing down or letting up. They are just as intensely awesome as back in the 90’s! I will leave you with the photos of the night by our Rockin Ryan.
With the fast rise or should I say comeback of EDM it is great to see the creative remixes that have been made. In the 90’s I spent many weekends in the nightclubs in San Francisco enjoying electronic dance music, just back then we called it ’90s! Today, with the advances in music technology the remixers have set the bar higher and bring a whole new life to the music genre.
Award winning remix trio of Chomstars have taken their fresh Electro House stylings to dismantle and rebuild the Zander Bleck pop hit “Dirty Love Song”. Check it out here:
For this remix we really wanted the instrumentation and arrangement to bolster the emotional impact of Zander’s powerful pop vocal. It’s more on the purely electro side than our upcoming Stargazing EP, but with some futuristic and creative twists. – Chomstars
The dynamic trio are also gearing up for the release of their “Stargazing” EP, a melodic, four track dance-floor destroyer featuring pulsating basslines and explosive drops, out 6/23/2014 on Audiophile Live. Check out Chomstars “Stargazing” Minimix here:
Stay tuned for the release of Stargazing and make sure to visit their social media sites so you can stay up to date on their latest news.
I told you last month about the release of Asking Alexandria’s new video for their song “The Death of Me” from their new album, From Death to Destiny. The video featured a young Danny Worsnop as he chooses his vice from dancing girls in vending machines. It was greatly received and we had received so many emails asking us about one certain girl in this video. Everyone wanted to know who is the “heroin” girl that Danny chooses in the video as well as being featured on the cover of their Death to Destiny album. Well, we not only found out for you but we even have an interview with the beautiful Ms. Erin Johnson. If you haven’t seen the video you can check it out here:
Doesn’t that video just KICK ASS?? I love it and I love the guys in it too. We are pleased to bring you our interview with Erin:
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Music Junkie Press:Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us here at Music Junkie Press. I must admit a little over 3 weeks ago, I did not know who you were. But shortly after our post on the new Asking Alexandria video for “The Death of Me“, we received numerous emails asking us about the brunette in the video which turns out to be you Erin!
First off, I absolutely love the video. It has a great concept storyline which many videos today don’t pay attention to playing out. How did you find out you were to be in the video?
Erin: I found out I would be in the music video after I shot the album cover, which was a complete shock to me! Not only was it a shock because it is such an honor to be on the cover of an incredibly influential metalcore band’s new album, but because also I didn’t know I would be so underdressed!! Haha. The story line was so creative, and I can definitely say this is the first time I’ve ever played “heroin.”
Music Junkie Press:I do love the cover too! Are you a fan of Asking Alexandria’s music?
Erin: I had been familiar with Asking Alexandria for years but I have just recently gotten into their music. They’re basically a household name. I haven’t met too many people who haven’t heard of them!! Growing up I was a huge metal head and was in the local hardcore scene so I definitely have a soft spot in my heart for Asking Alexandria. After filming the music video I couldn’t get “The Death of Me” out of my head. I kept going on Youtube just to hear it and pretend I was still in my vending machine dancing.
Music Junkie Press: I can imagine. That song from the first time I heard it was in my head, I love the energy and LOVE IT! How was it making video? So who is your favorite Danny to work with? Danny Worsnop or his younger version?
Erin: Making the video was so much fun, but I could not express how hot it was!!!! We shot on an 85 degree day in sunny LA in non-ventilated, filthy, vending machines. I’m not going to lie we had to replace my “X’s” a couple of times. Hahahaha! I also have never in my life worn contacts and in this video I have in “cloudy” contacts which make it almost impossible to see, not to mention they irritated the shit out of my eyes.
Both Danny’s are completely amazing individuals. Mr. Worsnop had me drinking his favorite creation, “beermosas,” it was Stella with orange juice in it, and I’m not going to lie it was pretty fucking delicious. He’s definitely a character and really fun to be around. All the AA boys were very pleasant and polite but nevertheless total rockstars. Those boys know how to rage!
Younger Danny, bless his heart, my boobs were the first thing this kid saw while coming onto set. I happened to be walking outside to get some air the same time younger Danny and his parents arrived on set. Mind you, all I was wearing in this video were X’s over my nipples and booty shorts. At least he has a good story to tell all his friends at school! It was also very strange starring into a child’s eyes in a vending machine almost naked. But hey he was such a good sport and he was an amazing mini Danny. That boy has a very great future ahead of him!
Music Junkie Press:I am going to have to try the “beermosas” and I am sure younger Danny will have quite a story to share at school this year! I understand you are currently on the cover for Tomb Raider 2013! That is incredible! What other things are you currently working on?
Erin:Yeah Tomb Raider was an absolutely amazing opportunity for me. It was so strange driving around LA and seeing my face everywhere! All over billboards, buses, game stores. It’s weird to think people have cut-outs of me in their homes!! Currently I am working on starting my own hat (beanies/snapbacks) line that will continue onto accessories and other fun things. It’s been a really exciting year for me so I’ve just been taking it all in and I’m thrilled to see what the rest of this year has to offer!!
Music Junkie Press:That is cool. I hope you keep us updated on your hat line so we can share with our readers. If we could peak into your Ipod, what would be the next 3 songs/artists we would find on there?
Erin:This might be the hardest question yet!!! But I’m going with the songs I’m obsessed with or have been obsessed with for years…
Buddy Guy-“Baby Please Don’t Leave Me”
Joy Division-“Shadowplay”
ASAP Ferg-“Work”
Music Junkie Press: I have always loved Joy Division!! If you could be featured in the next video of your favorite artist, who would that be?
Erin: I’ve had the pleasure of working with a lot of amazing artists! I’ve been featured in a Blake Shelton music video and a couple Riff Raff music videos (Rap game Spring Break), as well as other various hip-hop artists. I was really hoping to be in the “Bubble Butt” music video, but turns out I can’t do half the things the girls can do in that video anyway. Hahaha those chicks have some real booty poppin skills!!
Ok, but back to the question. If I could chose to be featured in any music video it would be a Jimi Hendrix video for sure, but since he has not been with us for a while, I would have to go with being in another Asking Alexandria video I honestly had such a blast working with them!!!
Music Junkie Press:I hope we do get to see you again in another Asking Alexandria video! What is the first concert you ever went to?
Erin:My first concert ever was when i was in 7th grade. I had tried getting tickets a million times to Backstreet Boys and N’sync concerts in 6th grade, but they always sold out right away, so my first concert ever was Janet Jackson and 112. “Peaches n’ Cream” was a hit and I think I just aged myself pretty badly. I remember wearing a black halter top and white flared jeans and crying profusely because Janet touched my soul. It was magical. I went from R&B shows to hardcore shows. Enough said.
Music Junkie Press:That is awesome about your first concert and how much the music moved you.
Photo Credits: Brandon Hicks
Music Junkie Press:Erin, we have several fan submitted questions for you, here:
From Javi: have you ever had to turn a job down because it got to crazy?
Erin:Hey Javi 🙂 As of yet, I have not turned down any jobs. I wish I could say yes because if something is too crazy for me then you know there’s a good story behind it! The AA video and cover has been the most risque job I have ever done I usually don’t show too much skin, but it’s always fun to push the envelope of your comfort level. Hopefully soon enough I will have a good story to tell you about some insanely ridiculous job!! Thanks for your question!!
Music Junkie Press:From Dave: You were incredible in the AA video, I would choose you over and over. What is your idea of a perfect date?
Erin:Well hello there Dave!! 😉 I appreciate you appreciating what my parents did for me! I love spontaneity. I love adventure. I love crazy. I would want to do something I have never done before, like go whale watching, go to Tijuana, go see The Rolling Stones at the Hollywood Bowl, or i’m also the kind of girl who can order vegan food and sit at home and watch Shark Week. Maybe someday we can do one of these things. ❤
Music Junkie Press: From Lizzi: You are amazingly fit and absolutely awesome. What do you do to stay so fit and what is your favorite junk/forbidden food?
Erin:Hey girl!! Thanks so much for the kind words my dear!! I was an aerialist (think Cirque du Soleil but not quite at that level) for the last few years so it contributes quite nicely to a strong core and a strong upper body. I was also a dancer and hockey player in my younger years so your girl has got some thighs on her! My favorite thing to work out is my booty because I want a bubble butt and my abs! I am vegetarian so I stick to a lot of fruits and veggies, but I am a sucker for nachos!!! They are so naughty and tempting and sometimes I just cant resist. That and I love chocolate and sweets. Half of the week I eat well half of the week I don’t. It’s punishment if you don’t treat yourself!! Thanks for the question love!!
Music Junkie Press: From Ryan: Do you play any musical instruments or sing? I think you would be perfect addition in our band! haha
Erin:Hola Ryan!! My dog Bowser has your name for a middle name! So when he’s being a bad boy he gets called Bowser Ryan!! I call him this quite often… Hahaha getting to your question, I have always wanted to be a drummer. I am attracted to drumming because that’s the only instrument I can understand! Being a dancer, I can feel the beat and I am always air-drumming like an idiot to every song. Growing up, a lot of my friends were in hardcore bands so I had the opportunity to dabble with the drums and turns out I’m not too bad, I just need to learn how to hit harder!! Let me know if you want a badass chick drummer in heels and I’m all yours!!!
Music Junkie Press: From Brandon: What is the weirdest or craziest job you have ever had?
Erin:What’s up Brandon? I love all these questions with wild and crazy!! A lot of shoots that I do, have an element of crazy and weird in them. I have been in the middle of the wilderness hanging off a tree limb upside in a music video. While shooting for Tomb Raider we did a lot of shots with me pointing a bow and arrow at the camera which made for a real interesting/scary shot. I also been chained to another girl on a runway wearing 8-inch heels so with one wrong move it could be a complete disaster in front of hundreds of people, but to be completely honest nothing beats the weirdness of being naked in front of a child or being locked in a sauna vending machine for hours. Thanks to Asking Alexandria for taking the cake for being the weirdest and craziest job I have done to date. 🙂
Music Junkie Press: Lastly, Erin is there anything else you would like to share with our audience at Music Junkie Press?
Erin: I appreciate all the amazing feedback!! Special thanks to Sumerian Records and Asking Alexandria for letting me be a part of “From Death to Destiny.” Don’t forget…the world is your playground, so make sure you take the time out to play! XOXO
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Thank you very much Erin! I am hoping we get to see Erin in some more Asking Alexandria videos or maybe even Danny Worsnop’s side project, Harlot. Make sure to check out Erin on the cover of Tomb Raider and we will keep you updated on her hat line as well.
Music Junkie Press 