October 2014 | Music Junkie Press

Coverage of Burn Halo at Aftershock Festival 2014

October 5, 2014

Burn Halo are working on releasing their new album later this year. The album is definitely heavier and it is going to be INSANE! It has a strong deep 18 Visions influence….. Heavy! Heavy! Heavy! It is solid and intense on all levels. They have been getting a lot of praise for their first single, Wolves of War. “The song ‘Wolves of War’ is a statement of aggression and angst towards all that have never given us a chance. This is our answer to the naysayers. With a foot upon your throat, we will be heard,” says Burn Halo vocalist James Hart. “Our label and management felt confident enough after hearing early demos that they pretty much left us alone during the recording process allowing us to make the record we envisioned, with no compromises and no regrets. This album is that vision.” Band Members: James Hart – Vocals Joey Roxx – Guitar Ryan Frost – Guitar Johnny Badbones – Drums Chris Bishop – Bass Check out our photos from Rockin Ryan of Burn Halo at Aftershock [Read More]

Ben Jaimen on his debut in the US, world music and giving back. By Patrick O’Heffernan

October 5, 2014

Ben Jaimen slides into the back both seat of an out of the way table at the Sofitel Hotel In Beverly Hills. He has just finished a 4-song set introducing his debut EP, Through the Universe, to a US audience. Jaimen is big in Europe, especially in his native Germany where he has sung before a million people at the Brandenburg Gate. But tonight he was entertaining a modest crowd, shrunk slightly because of the closure of one of LA’s most important freeways. Nevertheless, with luminaries like Marla Maples and the German Deputy Counsel General sampling sliders and Jaimen song-named drinks, it was a good beginning for this handsome, humble and very, very talented 27-year old.. Jaimen was sporting a fashionable 5 o’clock shadow, red pants, a peace symbol t-shirt and a heavy studded leather jacket, despite a warm evening approaching 70 degrees as he settled in and opened a bottle of water. But he didn’t stay settled for long, as a constant stream of pretty girls, well-wishers, and new fans dropped by, still tingling [Read More]

Interview with Dig the Kid atAftershock 2014 Festival!

October 4, 2014

Aftershock Festival started off with a kick ass energetic set by the Bay Area band, Dig The Kid. It was great to see how many people got there early to catch the first set of the entire festival on Saturday morning. Dig The Kid came right out and this trio really played a powerful set. Their music which fuses many elements of music such as alternative, punk, grunge, rock and much more into their own unique style that will have you singing along and moving around in no time. Dig The Kid is: Cory Todd – Guitar Ian Lasater – Bass Lisa Mongelli – Drummer We had the chance to interview them after their set and are pleased to bring that interview to you here. Check out photos from our Rockin Ryan of their set: This is one band that I hope you get to check out. They have recently released their new EP All Night Long that features their hit single, LOVE. It is an infectiously stellar song! Check out the song as it is [Read More]

Ben Jaimen comes to America. Can very good become great? By Patrick O’Heffernan

October 4, 2014

Ben Jaimen can’t escape his fans, even though he is just being introduced to the US. A tall, olive-skinned 27-year old with a fashionable five o’clock shadow and a brilliant welcoming smile, you would not know he just bblew away the crowd at his CD release party with perfect pitch pop rock. A native of Germany with family in Israel and Argentina, Jaimen moves easily among those and other countries, picking up musical influences while retaining a certain humble cosmopolitan air. Music training in Israel, college in London, summers teaching music to disabled barrio children in Cordoba, he has seen and given a lot for such a young man and it shows in his eyes and his smile So it not surprising that a conversation with Jaimen is punctuated by pretty girls asking for his autograph and hoping for hugs (they got them) and couples who just want to stop by an out of the way corner table say “hi”, bask in his reflected glow and add to it with their accolades. They are all [Read More]

Interview with the brilliant musician Michael Marquart of A Bad Think

October 4, 2014

When I listen to an album that has the ability to take me on a journey of emotions and guides me through a trail of experiences, it is a true gift. The music of the brilliant Michael Marquart and his music project A Bad Think is quite magical and precious and does just that. He recently released his fourth studio album, Sleep this summer through Windmark/The Orchard and I describe it as a “zen inducing musical gem” and it is definitely a must have. It is rich in musical tones, emotion and his passion shines through with each note and lyric. You may be familiar with Michael from his stint in the 90’s as the drummer for British Grammy Award band, Flock of Seagulls but what I really want you to familiarize yourself is with his solo work. He is the sole member, singer-songwriter of A Bad Think. With songs on the album like On and On, Photographs and Happy Little Pills, you can’t help but feel his voice wrap around you and embrace you [Read More]

Hunter Valentine release video for Nowhere to Run to help STOMP Out Bullying!

October 3, 2014

October is Anti Bullying month where we try to bring attention and STOMP Out Bullying. Sadly, it was only two years ago this month where we brought you the tragic story of Amanda Todd’s suicide due to bullying. Many artists and musicians are doing what they can to raise awareness to bullying and help to eradicate it! One of my favorite new bands, Hunter Valentine have released a music video for their song, Nowhere to Run as they teamed together with STOMP Out Bullying in an effort to raise awareness this October. The video is stellar and the song is truly touching and provides hope to those who struggle or are facing any challenges. It is an amazing track and is soon to be one of my favorite songs on my playlist. Check out the video here: I hope you do your part this month in an effort to put an end to bullying. Reach out to someone who you think might need to talk or are battling with bullying. If you witness or see someone being bullied [Read More]

Seeking Valor release music video for the touching song, So Far Gone

October 3, 2014

Seeking Valor from Pennsylvania have released a beautiful touching video for their song, So Far Gone. The song was featured on Artist Direct on September 30th to wrap up Suicide Awareness month. The video is a touching commentary on the space left when a loved one takes his or her own life, and how friends and family must work together to move forward. Check it out here: The powerful emotionally driven track will be featured on their new album set to release this fall titled 7 of Diamonds, a collection of songs in honor of their friend Gary Diamond who they lost to suicide and depression. A Portion Of The Proceeds Will Be Donated To The American Foundation For Suicide Prevention Raising Awareness For Suicide And Depression. Now with the debut of “So Far Gone,” Seeking Valor is ready to continue to help raising awareness for suicide prevention through the power of music. Lead singer Drew Feehery stated, “The song ‘So Far Gone’ expresses one of the core concepts of the 7 of Diamonds album. It values a friend and loved [Read More]