Alternative

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Alternative

Counting down to the Smile Empty Soul release of Chemicals!

September 27, 2013

Three of the most amazingly talented musicians are set to release their new album, Chemicals on October 1st. I am talking about none other than Smile Empty Soul. These guys have been around delivering incredible music with some of the best lyrics in the industry since 1998. Every time a new album comes out, I hold my breath in anticipation since so many bands after years seem to set off and re-invent themselves and come out someone else. Other bands just put a replica of their last album wrapped in new chorus. Smile Empty Soul stays true to their sound and delivers original songs that just have me applauding at every song! Well, I have heard a peak of this new album and guess what, you are so in for an UNBELIEVABLE Smile Empty Soul album!!! You might have already heard their first single of the album, False Alarm and it is awesome. These guys give a  new definition to alternative rock because they give you such depth in lyrics and style that has you [Read More]

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Alternative

The Swellers, from a crossroads to Becoming Self Aware & Tour Dates!

August 22, 2013

Michigan punk band, The Swellers are set to release their fourth LP, The Lights Under Closed Doors through No Sleep Records. They have a release date of October 29th but you can head over to the No Sleep Records website and pre-order it.  They have teamed up with animal rights PETA to premier their  new song, “Becoming Self Aware” on their PETATV site or the link here. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p-tr0QjXcw&feature=youtu.be] The song is incredible and has some soul awaking lyrics that just draw you in.  Drummer Jonathan Diener talks more about this song as he explains, “I did a couchsurfing/soul searching week with my friends between tour, I was at a crossroads in my life, but one day I had nowhere to go, played my guitar in a park and parts of songs I’ve had for a while came together.  It turned into my favorite song on the new record.” It definitely is my new favorite song and I can’t wait to hear the rest. You can also take a listen to another one of their new songs, “Should” on [Read More]

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'90s

Balance and Composure set to release Album and Fall Tour with Coheed and Cambria

August 21, 2013

Pennsylvania alternative rock band, Balance and Composure are set to release their new album on September 10th via No Sleep Records. I am truly excited about this one! Titled, “The Things We Think We’re Missing” is their second album and I have already heard one of the songs off it, Reflection and it has me eagerly counting the downs down until the full album release.  Balance and Composure have to be my new favorite indie-alternative band! I just heard Tiny Raindrop, another single from the new album and it brings back my love of the 90’s when alternative music captivated my attention and didn’t blur the lines with sub-genres.!  Their music reminds me of a mixture of Toad the Wet Sprocket, Blur and School of Fish. They, in no way imitate, since their music has it’s own refreshing original sound that I am savoring. You can head over to nslp.co/bacpreorder and iTunes  to pre-order. In addition, they are releasing this incredible album on VINYL and have several multi-colored vinyl pressings. This will definitely be a time where you may [Read More]

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'80s Rock

Interview with John Easdale of DRAMARAMA

August 16, 2013

Music has been my passenger on my rollercoaster ride of my life, with my during my highs and there to comfort me during my lows. No matter what mood I was in, music was always there to share in the moment. So many times when someone mentions an artist or a band, I can go back and remember the first time I heard them or how I was introduced to their music. It is almost like when someone asks you about how you met an old friend or boyfriend. You always know the facts. Well, I can remember the first time I ever heard Dramarama. I literally was fresh out of high school and loved a variety of styles of music. I would rock out to RATT as we went cruising the El Camino, go to a Hank Williams Jr. concert in the summer, dance to pop music in the nightclubs, and enjoyed a lot of New Wave and Mod.  But there was this one friend I worked with name Jane but we called her [Read More]

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Alternative

Marla Mase, Messenger of Peace brings her music to the stage

August 15, 2013

This Saturday, August 17th, if you are lucky enough to live in New York and can get to the East River Park for Summerstage 2013 you will be treated to passionate and wonderful multi-media concert and dance piece inspired by the songs of Marla Mase.  Marla Mase’s 2013 album “SPEAK” feeds your soul and your senses as you are treated to live music, spoken word, dance and visual imagery. This event takes place at The East River Park on August 17th and is FREE to the public!  You can get more information here.  Marla’s music and writings are so in depth and challenge all of us to be more peaceful and to bare our souls as we learn to love ourselves and others. Marla broke into music in her 40’s after dealing with several challenges and obstacles. As Marla describes, it was a “Break up. Break down. Break through.”  In addition, she was awarded the “Messenger of Peace” award from Friends of the UN.  Her punk/rock n roll, soul inspired music and style remind me of a [Read More]

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Alternative

BrainStorm (Prata Vetra) from Latvia is our Tuesdays Travel band to check out!

August 13, 2013

BrainStorm I am sure you thought it was getting late and I was not going to give you my Tusdays Travel band to check out…. Well I might be late due to recuperating from the car accident over the weekend but I didn’t want you to miss this band!! Straight from Jelgava, Latvia is a fun alternative rock band, BrainStorm (Latvian: Prāta Vētra)   that you have to take a listen to. Definitely not a new band. This band is a strong group of friends who had a dream to play music and in 1989 set out to conquer the hearts of music lovers. Their music which has sounds reminiscent of Parlotones, ColdPlay, even U2,  but yet they have something so new and fresh to them that I just can’t put my finger on.  They have catchy melody fused with passionate vocals and an energetic sound that becomes infectious. Here is a great fun video for their song, “Europa” which I love: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ebHMomh7wE&feature=youtu.be]   If you ever watched Eurovision, you might have caught them in 2000 as they [Read More]

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'90s

Peter London new CD “America” helps Pets in Need

August 5, 2013

Our very own San Francisco favorite singer/songrwriter Peter London has a new CD coming out that I wanted to tell you more about.  Peter is an avid animal lover and is using his gift of music to raise awareness and funds for a refuge animal center.  He has such a great heart and I look for all of us to join in and help support the no-kill animal shelters.  First I want you to check out an acoustic version of one of my all time Peter London favorites: Run Away. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au6JUdH_BiM&feature=youtu.be] Doesn’t that voice just blow you away. Truly  a work of art! We were able to briefly interview Peter and here is that interview for you: * * * * * * * * * * * * Doesn’t that voice just blow you away. Truly  a work of art! We were able to briefly interview Peter and here is that interview for you: * * * * * * * * * * * * Music Junkie Press: Can you tell us about your [Read More]