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Black Star Riders KILLED it at the DNA Lounge in San Francisco

May 15, 2014

We were at the DNA Lounge in San Francisco earlier this week to watch one of our favorite bands, State Line Empire play as they were set to open up for Skid Row. In addition to the great warm up by The Devil In California, State Line Empire put on a fantastic set. Then up next was Black Star Riders, if you are not familiar with them as I wasn’t… Black Star Riders is comprised of members of Thin Lizzy…. YES! You heard me right, Thin Lizzy! Black Star Riders began in 2012 as Thin Lizzy announced they would not be recording new material under the Thin Lizzy name. Hence a new band formed, a new name and Black Star Riders was born. In addition to the Thin Lizzy alumni Ricky Warwick (vocals), Scott Gorham (guitar), Damon Johnson (guitar), Marco Mendoza (bass) is Jimmy DeGrasso on drums (Alice Cooper, Megadeth, David Lee Roth, Suicidal Tendencies). The band was amazing and they played an energetic non stop set that have everyone in the audience packed to the front [Read More]

Interview with Austin Winkler and he is back, stronger than ever!

May 15, 2014

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson When I think of the above quote, my favorite quote, it always reminds me of how strong you have to be to when you are faced with creating your own path or destiny. It inspires me when I see people make that great leap of faith and head off into that new path and become an even stronger person. I believe a great example in this is watching Austin Winkler as he has forged ahead in the new chapter of his musical career. It was last year that we brought you the news of Austin‘s departure from Hinder, but then to hear how he was going to continue with a new musical venture, I was truly elated. Austin has one of the most recognizable and beloved voices in the industry and I couldn’t wait to hear what he has in store for us. He invited us in to witness the [Read More]

An interview with Bret Von Dehl of The Relapse Symphony as we talk about the new album; Shadows

May 15, 2014

The Relapse Symphony from Washington, DC are set to release their debut LP Shadows on July 8th via Standby Records. The highly anticipated album will show the progression of the band since their release of their 2013 EP, Time’s Running Out. Guitarist JC Charles explains, “When we recorded our EP we were still in the infancy of our band. We were still experimenting and finding ourselves as musicians, and as people. We all went through some of the toughest times of our lives during the making of this album, and we came out on the other side with something we are all extremely proud of. This record is something we know our fans are going to get a lot out of, and hopefully will make us some new fans along the way.” We had the chance to chat with vocalist, Bret Von Dehl and are pleased to bring you that interview here: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qygxb1Y7OwY&feature=youtu.be] We are all excited for the new album and can’t wait for the release of the first single, We Are The Broken [Read More]

Skid Row stops in at the DNA Lounge for the United World Rebellion Tour

May 15, 2014

Last night was an awesome night of ROCK n ROLL. We went to the DNA Lounge in San Francisco and the kicked off with a solid set by The Devil in California, then local favorite State Line Empire, Black Star Riders (Thin Lizzy) and ended with the a headlining performance by Skid Row. Make sure to read about all our band features. Skid Row just began their US leg of the United World Rebellion Tour last week and last night it was San Francisco’s turn to be in the spotlight. It was a great crowd that had a range of ages from teens up to seniors. I love seeing the variety in the crowd as it always gives me the hope that rock and roll will never die. Skid Row is: Johnny Solinger (vocals) Scotti Hill (guitar) Rachel Bolan (bass) Snake Sabo (guitar) Rob Hammersmith (drums) They sounded great and Johnny killed it on vocals. Scotti and Snake are madmen on their guitars as they each dominated their area and commanded the attention of the [Read More]

Kiven releases music video for I Can Take It

May 14, 2014

Indie Rockers, Kiven have been quite busy on their Western US Tour with My Body Sings Electric. Los Angeles band Kiven have been receiving a lot of great attention on their self titled album which is filled with 13 well crafted, solid rock songs. The first single off the album, In The Fire spent nine weeks on the KROQ charts, evening topping at the number 1 spot. Today they have released a music video for their second single, I Can Take It which is one of my favorites off the album, vocally engaging and takes you on a merry go round of emotions. Check it out here: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOFiAJFh60E&feature=youtu.be] The album was recorded at EastWest Studios and Pie Town at MixLA and is available on iTunes, here: Kiven, comprised of Tyler Demorest, Matt Cohen, Danny Schnair and Jake Reed. When asked about the album, vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist Tyler Demorest exclaims, “We spent a lot of time writing songs that were our sound and, at the same time, grew what KIVEN is. Tony [Hajjar] had a big impact on the music. It was a trip to work with [Read More]

State Line Empire ROCKS the DNA Lounge opening for Skid Row

May 14, 2014

Last night we headed to the DNA Lounge in San Francisco to see State Line Empire as they were opening for Skid Row. The place was packed and The Devil in California opened the night with a solid set and then came State Line Empire for a ROCKIN set, and up next was Black Star Riders (Thin Lizzy) and headliner Skid Row closed out the night with a bang! State Line Empire sounded great as they started off the set with a crowd favorite, Load Em Up. One thing is for sure, this band is never short on energy and they have an infectious rock vibe that spread through the crowd. If anyone arrived not knowing who State Line Empire were, they left that night being a devoted fan. They finished their set with another one of my favorites, Drive Me. Their set list for the night was: Load em up Into Pieces Your Someone Else’s Problem Now Know My Name Lock & Load Cross That Line Raise Your Sins Break Me Down [Read More]

We Are Harlot new single, DENIAL is set to give rock and roll a much needed facelift!

May 14, 2014

Earlier today, We Are Harlot released their much anticipated new single, Denial. This was not only their first single, but gave their fans a true taste of what to expect from the upcoming We Are Harlot album. We Are Harlot is a band three years in the making and they must be quite proud of themselves to see their vision finally come to fruition. Now let’s talk about the song itself. It starts off with a tease of a ballad through Danny’s smooth vocals and Bruno transitions us with his fierce drumming and Brian on his rousing bass into heavy ROCK N ROLL mode. The tempo is then kicked up a notch further as Jeff leads us into a full on guitar frenzy. One of my favorite highlights of the song is the chorus which I can only imagine the crowd at Rock on the Range singing along to. Jeff then spoils us with a smoking solo that will have you drooling and begging for more. We are even treated to a bit of Danny’s signature growls [Read More]