The Iron Heart truly brings passion into their hard rock style and is a Phoenix Theater highlight

The Iron Heart is a powerful hard rock trio from Napa that melts influences of blues and even punk which is quite welcoming. We caught them perform last Saturday at The Phoenix Theater in Petaluma. They were the headlining set after BullyWest, Kingsborough and Bad Jones, and really made a bold statement with their music. All the bands were great that night and I hope you take the time to check them all out. The Iron Heart capped it all off with an energetic hard rocking blues infused set.

The Iron Heart is:

• Thomas Fine – Vocals/Guitar
• Justin Altamura – Bass
• Joel Fennie – Drums

They have a great hard rock style and it is fueled with the passionate vocals of Thomas. His soulful unique voice really evokes a lot of emotion when he sings and you can’t help but feel a connection to the music. Justin has this sexy swagger when he plays and it is infectious as you find yourself moving around with the sultry basslines.  Joel on drums brings out a great big bold sound and brings it all together with his precision drumming. Check out the photos from our Rockin Ryan of their set:

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The Iron Heart released their EP V earlier this year and you can pick it up on iTunes here. Two of my favorite tracks on it are Woman and The Only One but then again, Back Door is smoking hot. Well, put it this way, pick it up and you will have 5 great tracks that will end up on your regular playlist. You can’ go wrong with them.

The Iron Heart are from Napa and they will be performing a special show to help raise money for the Napa Valley Community Relief Fund which will directly help the earthquake stricken community of Napa. The benefit is set to take place on September 28th at City Winery Napa, pre-sale tickets are only $10 and you can get more details here: http://www.citywinery.com/napa/napa-valley-rocks-after-party-at-city-winery-9-28.html. I hope you can make it out to watch several great bands and to help a good cause.

Make sure to visit their social media sites and stay up to date on their latest news. We will leave you with a couple videos from their set at the Phoenix.

~ Marisol

Information & Links:

• Website: http://www.theironheartband.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theironheartband
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/theironheartband
• iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/v-ep/id868361325

Bad Jones deliver a heavy dose of Rock n Roll recharge into the music scene

You might have heard from reading headlines like, Gene Simmons announces Rock Is Dead, or a dozen other people who are talking about the dwindling passion for rock n roll. I don’t buy it, I don’t believe it and with bands like Bad Jones, the flame of Rock N Roll will never be extinguished. Formerly known as Soul Pie, this Bay Area band are truly doing their part in bringing a strong resurgence into Rock infused with their blues and funk.

We caught Bad Jones performing last Saturday at The Phoenix Theater in Petaluma and their were incredible! Searing vocals, stellar blues riffs, hard and edgy melodic rock that will rewaken all your senses. Their energy is fierce as they really bring their powerful sound to the forefront. I love that they have keyboards which really brings such depth to their music, something that is often missing these days. It is infectious as you can feel their music traveling through your body and pulsing through your veins. Check out some of the photos by our Rockin Ryan of their set:

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Bad Jones is :

• Jesse Ray Smith – vocals/guitar
• Tommy Odetto – guitar
• Tim Baker – bass
• John Varn – keyboards
• Teddy James Cox – Drums

Now that I have you hot and bothered for their rock n roll fix, make sure to catch them at their upcoming shows. This is one hard ass working band and they are always busy playing shows around the Bay Area or opening for big acts in the area. Be sure to visit their social media sites so you can stay up to date on their latest news and upcoming shows. We will leave you with a couple videos from their set at the Phoenix. Also you can pick up their self titled EP on their website here: http://www.thebadjones.com/media.

~ Marisol

Information & Links:

• Website:  http://www.thebadjones.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBadJones
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheBadJones
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/thebadjones

Kingsborough’s set at Phoenix Theater puts them into the spotlight where they belong

Last Saturday at The Phoenix Theater in Petaluma, I was able to finally catch a set of Kingsborough. I have been hearing a lot of great buzz about this band for a couple years now. We missed them this summer at Bottle Rock in Napa, and we have been waiting ever so impatiently to find the right time to see them. Well the stars aligned and the music gods made it happen. They were playing at The Phoenix and we were not going to miss them, especially for such a close show for us.

Kingsborough is:

• Billy Kingsborough: Vocals
• Alex Leach: Guitar
• Chris Mangione: Bass
• John Whitney: Drums

Well, they did exactly what I had expected, actually they exceeded my expectations and completely blew us away with their performance. These guys must eat adrenaline filled Wheaties because from the moment they hit the stage to the time they step off, they are giving a full 150% of their energy. When asked about their energy and if they have any pre-show rituals to harness their energy, Billy comments,

“We don’t really have anything specific that we do before shows to harness our energy. Its hard enough to get all the musicians and gear on stage in time to perform.  Personally (and I this goes for the rest of the guys), I just love to play, express, and become the music. Right before we hit that first chord, I think of all the times at work or in life where I don’t have the chance to do what I love or express myself, and think how the audience (whether it be 1 or 1 thousand) is giving me this opportunity. They deserve 110% of what I (and the band) is able to give just for being there. Hopefully, by giving our best, we inspire someone to do what they love as well.” 

Their stage presence is very commanding and really captures the crowd’s attention from the start. The music which is a very welcoming fusion of blues and classic rock but with a much more modernized face lift! They literally bring an intensity to their music, soulful vocals that just grab a hold of you, catchy choruses, spectacular guitar solos, striking rhythms and big harmonies that need their own zip code. This is one band that you can only be described as “ROCK AND ROLL AT ITS FINEST”. Check out some photos by our Rockin Ryan of their set:

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We are really excited to hear that Kingsborough will be releasing a new album, The Night, The Grind and The Woes sometime in November. Billy explains, “We were lucky enough to work with Grammy Award winning producer, Jason Carmer. He did Third Eye Blind’s Blue and has worked with countless other amazing artists like RUN DMC, Korn, Chuck Prophet and The Donnas. We recorded at his home studio in Berkley, about 5 minutes away from Fantasy Studios. Working there, we couldn’t help but draw inspiration from Creedence Clearwater Revival, Sly Stone and The Doobie Brothers. We even used some of the reverb chambers at Fantasy Studios that CCR used during their time there.” In addition to what to expect as to their sound on this album, Billy continues, “With that, you can expect a modern take on a very classic sound. We are a band and were put in a room with the record button on; and thats how the album sounds.”

We look forward to the new album and in the meantime, make sure you head over to pick up their Said and Done EP on iTunes here:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/said-and-done-ep/id571140022. They even played some of their new songs in their set and my favorite is the soulful rockin track, Sinner. Be sure to visit their social media sites and their website of  www.kingsboroughmusic.com so you can stay up to date on all their latest news and upcoming shows.

We will leave you with some videos of their set at the Phoenix Theater. Stay tuned for more coverage of Kingsborough and we will see when we can bring you an interview with these amazing musicians.

Upcoming Shows: 

• 9.11  Flamingo Hotel Santa Rosa, CA
• 9.26 Whiskey Tip  Santa Rosa, CA
• 10.3 Spancky’s Cotati, CA

~ Marisol

Information & Links:

• Website: http://www.kingsboroughmusic.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KINGSBOROUGHBAND
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/kings_boys
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kingsboroughband
• iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/said-and-done-ep/id571140022

BullyWest proves that nothing can stop their need to Rock!

BullyWest, an indie rock band from Oakland may have had to weather a few bumps in the road, but these determined rockers prove that nothing can stand in their way and their need to ROCK! With a sound that blends grunge/rock/alternative/blues/americana and classic rock into their own unique style, they will truly capture your attention. We had the chance to see BullyWest perform at The Phoenix Theater in Petaluma, last Saturday night and they blew us a way. I was bummed to have not heard of them before because it would have insured Music Junkie Press’ presence at their performances!

The band has had to endure through the recent challenge of having thousands of dollars of their gear stolen at a recent show. This in no way, will stop them from forging ahead. Their fans and friends quickly stepped up with support and they held a benefit concert with Iron Heart, Six Gun Saints and other bands performing at Red Hat. They raised some money but still have an upward climb to replace their gear. They have created a GoFundMe campaign and you can check it out here and see how you can help: http://www.gofundme.com/di3a3g.  We had the opportunity to talk with members of the band after their bad ass set at the Phoenix and are pleased to share that with you here:

Their set was really spectacular and had me already thinking about their next show. Manny on guitar and vocals is really mesmerizing, he has a soulful voice that brings back flashbacks of early Chris Cornell. He brings out this great emotion through his songs. Shane on bass is a madman and has a great stage presence, he lays down his bass lines as he is bouncing around his area. Bernt on drums delivered a solid heavy set and you can feel his energy. These guys are great and I can’t wait to catch them again. Check out the photos by our Rockin Ryan of their set:

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Make sure to visit their social media sites, support them on their GoFundMe or share the links, and be sure to stay up to date on their latest news. I will leave you with several videos from their set at the Phoenix.

~ Marisol

Information & Links:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BullyWestband
• GoFundMe: http://www.gofundme.com/di3a3g
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bullywest

When Earth Awakes bring the spotlight on local metalcore

Last Friday when we made it out to the Phoenix Theater in Petaluma, we were treated to many great bands, Breakaway Patriot, Pushing the Sun, Approaching Fiction and now the spotlight is on Petaluma band, When Earth Awakes. It was great to see that the headlining band was from Petaluma. These guys came out and gave their 150% energy, regardless of the size of the crowd, these guys were their to deliver an incredible set.

Their music brings a spotlight on this local band as a great blend of hardcore/metalcore. One of the highlights of their set was when they performed an amazing cover of One Republic’s Counting Stars. Talk about a band taking a cover and truly making their own, that is exactly what these guys do. Check out the video here:

They may be fairly new, but they are definitely one band to take notice and watch them as they embark on the rise through their musical journey. We picked up their EP at the show and it is stellar. With heavy tracks like The Human Condition and Destroy & Rebuild, you will find yourself being infected with the energy and truly awaken your senses. You can pick up the EP on their merch webstore here: http://whenearthawakes.bigcartel.com/.

Check out photos by our Rockin Ryan of their set:

 

When Earth Awakes is:

• David Forster
• Jonathan James
• Brad Green
• Bobby Gibbs

Make sure to visit their social media sites and stay up to date on their latest news. If you are in the Bay Area, make sure to keep your eyes open for more shows, you don’t want to miss them. I will try and post a video of them performing Destroy & Rebuild so stay tuned!

~ Marisol

Information & Links:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whenearthawakes
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhenEarthAwakes
• Merch: http://whenearthawakes.bigcartel.com/

Interview with Pushing The Sun as they play the Phoenix Theater

Just last year, we featured Pushing The Sun on our 12 Days of Bands You Have To Know. In case you missed it, check it out here: Day 10 goes to Pushing The Sun. This is one band that really made an impression upon us from first seeing them perform at the Rockstar Uproar Festival in 2013. They are a heavy hard rock band fused with catchy melodies and emotionally driven lyrics. Their motto, Their motto, “We will light up your life, we have fire in our hands!” definitely rings true.

Last Friday, we headed to the historic Phoenix Theater to catch their set and as I mentioned with our coverage of Approaching Fiction, it tended to be a light night for the crowd. That in no way stopped Pushing the Sun from delivering their adrenaline fueled set. They took the stage and fiercely rocked the theater! Andrew Saman is captivating on vocals as he creates a strong connection delivering such emotion with each word. He is powerful yet vulnerable, he is heavy yet comforting, he is truly a passionate vocalist.

Pushing the Sun was started by guitarist Billy Connally in 2012 after his successful instrumental album release, The Silent Canvas which was released through Steve Vai’s Digital Nations label.  Billy is an amazing guitarist as he takes you from blazing shred mode to soothing melodies and throws out some stellar riffs. Billy, Johann and Andrew effectively work the stage as they unleash their fettered energy.

A.J. on drums provides the solid beats and some bad ass double bass, complimented by the fluid basslines of Johann as his energy takes over the stage. Together they form the perfect foundation to fully rock! Another thing I love about Pushing the Sun is Neil on the keys. I really miss a band with keys, they always seem to lack that certain depth which is created by the keys.

This is one solid lineup and together these five are unstoppable. You can see and feel the cohesion in the band which easily transfers through their music as you join them on their musical journey. Check out photos by our Rockin Ryan from their set:

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We had the opportunity to talk with Pushing the Sun after their set and are pleased to bring that interview to you here:

Pushing the Sun are also one of the hardest working bands and are continuously adding shows to their schedule so make sure to visit their social media sites and stay up to date. They will be performing at the Sofa Street Fair in San Jose on September 14th and they have just announced they will be playing at the V103 Rockfest Festival in Sacramento on October 4th.

If you don’t already have it, make sure to pick up their full length album “House of Lights“, whom they worked withTim Narducci (Systematic & SpiralArms). The CD not only has well written songs, but they bring in catchy hooks and explosive riffs that will leave you begging for more.

So make sure to visit their social media sites and stay up to date on their latest news.

~ Marisol

Information & Links:

• Website: http://www.pushingthesun.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingthesun
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/pushingthesun
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/pushingthesun
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/pushingthesun

Approaching Fiction delivered an energetic set of hard rock at The Phoenix Theater

Last Friday, we trekked out to Petaluma and the historical venue of The Phoenix for a night of live music and great bands. I wish more people would make an effort to get out to live shows. The Phoenix has always been a crap shoot and you never know what type of crowd you will get. It might have been a light crowd, but Approaching Fiction delivered a set as if they were playing to a sold out arena.

Approaching Fiction are from San Diego were making a stop in Petaluma for their Outbreak Tour. They bring a fierce dose of hard rock with metal edge. Their guitar heavy songs energize amid some fluid basslines, we were even treated to a bad ass bass solo. The precision drumming brings it all together with the powerful vocals igniting your senses. This was the first time I had seen Approaching Fiction but definitely not the last!

Check out photos by our Rockin Ryan of their set:

We picked up their CD Theleventhour which is also available on iTunes here. Check out their video for their song Outbreak which is off Theleventhour.

Approaching Fiction is:

• Chase Manary – Vocals
• Christian Ornelas -Bass
• Ricky Aviles – Rhythm Guitar
• Neal  – Lead Guitar
• Rajan Homes – Drums

They have an upcoming show on September 5th at The Jumping Turtle in San Marcos. You can visit their event page for more details. Make sure to visit their social media sites and stay up to date on their latest news.

~ Marisol

Information & Links:

• Website: http://www.approachingfiction.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ApproachingFiction
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/approachfiction
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/approachingfiction
• iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/album/outbreak/id681926938?i=681927367&ign-mpt=uo%3D5

The Jaded release first of several new singles, “Wafflebox (My Girl)”

Photo Credits: Mariana Carrillo

Earlier this year, I told you about a great rock band from San Francisco, The Jaded.  These guys bring true rock and roll and wrap it in everything from funk, blues and an old school sound that just has you wanting more.

They have been hard at work recording several singles and have released the first one. “Wafflebox (My Girl)” is out now and you can get it on Itunes.  This song is awesome!

It has a great bluesy intro and then kicks into high gear with Jimmy Steal on vocals, he reminds me of a crisper sounding young David Lee Roth.  It has a great catchy chorus and just has you moving in seconds. I love the energy that this song gives off and the backing vocals are spot on.  Later in the song, there is a great vocals buildup that is fun and cheeky.   This local band has definitely honed in on their craft of rock and roll and this song, might be just the one to take them to new heights.

We had the chance to listen to two more of their new singles and you are going to love them! You can really tell that these guys have been working hard at perfecting their talents and did an incredible job that we can’t wait for you to hear.

First is “Boomerang” that starts off with a nice drum intro and a clean rise that leads into sweet guitar riffs and the vocals come on strong. For a second, it has you thinking about what decade you are in because this is good old fashioned ROCK n ROLL, which I think is what we need more of  today.  It has a really catchy chorus, fun lyrics and I love it’s carefree attitude. Again, I really get the vibe and feel of a young David Lee Roth or Jimmy is channeling his ’80s rocker spirit!

Next up we got to hear, “Infatuation” that has a perfect acoustic intro leading into an arena style rock ballad that actually would span decades. You can feel everything from ‘50s sock hop pop, ‘70s laid back style to ‘80s with the lighter in the air to the 90’s shoegazer without a care –  and this is the NOW.  The singer has some great powerful vocals and a great vocal range in his transitions. It has smooth melodic tones and a nice guitar, bass and drum breakdown where you can really enjoy Downey’s slide playing as well as his backing vocals.

We look forward to hearing more of the new singles and will keep you updated as they come out! For now, make sure to head over to Itunes and pick up “Wafflebox (My Girl)” and if you don’t have it already, pick up/download their CD Juke. That album has some great songs and I love “Broken Records” and “Honeybear” (this song has such a great Red Hot Chili Pepper vibe which is spectacular).

The Jaded is Downey Orrick on Lead Guitar/Background Vocals,  Elliott Starno – Drums and Percussion, Jimmy Steal (aka Sergio) on Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar and Matt Notter – Bass Guitar.

You can check out an interview that we did with The Jaded back in April when they performed at The Phoenix Theater in Petaluma, CA as well as some photos. 

 

Information & Links:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheJadedSF

Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/TheJaded

Reverbnation:  www.Reverbnation.com/TheJaded

Amazon Purchase:  amazon.com/

Itunes:  itunes.apple.com/us/artist/the-jaded/id510741528

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Shotgun Harlot previews song from their new EP

A little over a year ago I introduced you to an incredible local band with a big sound, Shotgun Harlot. You can read our original post here.  We told you about how they are delivering down and dirty ROCK n ROLL that will have you raising your fists in the air, drink in the other and raising hell with friends!  We also featured an interview with lead singer, Dylan D. Waltz and you can read that post  here.

Well, fast forward to today and Shotgun Harlot is about to release their new EP next month. They have given us a preview of what is to come with a couple leaks from the EP, to include one of my new favorite songs, “Crescent Moon“. You can check it out here”

 

So now I have you wanting more, right??/ Well just last week they released another song, “Severed Wings” that you can check out on their Reverbnation page or find it on their Facebook page. 

Make sure to visit their social media sites and stay up to date on their latest information about the new EP. You may be even the first ones to hear the new songs leaked on their pages! Give them a like and tell them that you are ready for their ROCK n ROLL!!!!

~ Crank it up loud, Marisol

Shotgun Harlot Facebook:           www.facebook.com/Shotgun-Harlot

Shotgun Harlot Reverbnation:   www.reverbnation.com/shotgunharlot

Time to rock out to The Jaded

The Jaded

It has been quite some time that I can say that my old stomping grounds, San Francisco has produced a great rock and roll band. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of great things have come from San Francisco.  Sourdough soup bowl from Boudin’s.  Seafood at the Wharf.  The Stinking Rose. Fun nights at Candlestick. but a great rock band…. not in a while… until now.

We had the pleasure of seeing San Francisco rock band, The Jaded up here at the Last Day Saloon in Santa Rosa. These guys just bring old school rock and roll and wrap in everything from funk to old school sound, that just has you wanting more and more.  The Jaded is Jimmy Steal aka Sergio on vocals/rhythm guitar, Matt Notter on bass, Downey Orrick on lead guitar/backing vocals and Elliot Starno on drums and percussion.  These four come together to send you into rock and roll bliss with their sound. We had the chance to catch up with The Jaded at their recent show at the Phoenix Theater in Petaluma, Ca and you can check out that interview here:

Now that you know about them and had a chance to listen to them, join me in supporting them on their current Kickstarter campaign.  There are some great rewards for your pledge, from a copy of their EP to guitar lessons to play tambourine on their recording.  So take a good look and pledge, then let us know what you did.

We look forward to hearing more from The Jaded and hope you bought/downloaded their  CD Juke. Tell me what your favorite song is.  All are excellent but I do love “Broken Records” and “Honeybear” (this song has such a great Red Hot Chili Pepper vibe which I LOVE!).  What about you?

Information & Links:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheJadedSF

Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/TheJaded

Reverbnation:  www.Reverbnation.com/TheJaded

Kickstarter campaign: www.kickstarter.com/projects/thejaded/the-singles

Amazon Purchase:  amazon.com/

Itunes:  itunes.apple.com/us/artist/the-jaded/id510741528

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