MusicJunkiePress: Rock Music news, all day every day. Get your fix on your latest rock artists daily.

Shakedown by Justin Dzuban is no shakedown. It’s a winner. By Patrick O’Heffernan

June 2, 2014

Justin Dzuban’s music is down-to-earth, but it grips you, it makes you listen carefully, repeatedly. His songs are like a strong woman with a soft voice – you lean in and pay very close attention because you don’t want to miss a single word. His deep baritone is a natural fit for the gritty lyrics he writes. The Ohio native transplanted to the beach in Los Angeles blends Nashville twang with blues and country western into a California alt. country genre that tells stories of a world of hurt and heartbreak and also of hope and love. There is no pretention, no affectation. What you see is what you hear and what you hear is addictive. His new album, Shakedown, is a winner; each song is a handcrafted musical artwork unifying Justin Dzuban’s authentic country baritone with his real life lyrics and superb production skills. The self-produced album, available June 17, brings together an eclectic group of very talented musicians including Alejandro Arellano on drums, Eden Livingood on violin, Greg Cahill on electric guitar, Michael [Read More]

Interview with Scott Stapp as he readies for more dates on his US solo Tour

May 29, 2014

“I’m saying hello to a new dream I’m taking it back what’s left of me Don’t even try You can’t stop me now! I gotta feeling where I used to be numb. I can feel it now rushing through my blood. I’m stronger than I ever thought I was, and now I found another way out of here.” – Scott Stapp ‘Break Out’ Lyrics Grammy award winning artist Scott Stapp will be hitting the road this summer in support of his solo album, Proof of Life. This is the second full length album and is quite a personal one for Scott. The album is a collection of amazing rock tracks yet filled with emotionally driven lyrics and sung through the amazingly unmistakable vocals of Scott. Proof of Life is the first new material since Scott‘s release of his 2012 uncensored memoir where he shared his life story of his fundamentalist upbringing, the rise of Creed, his ongoing battle with addiction, the rediscovery of his faith and the launch of his solo career. The album has [Read More]

An In-Depth Interview with producer/multi-instrumentalist John Kendall Royston

May 24, 2014

In today’s age of music, a producer has to wear many hats and be able to not only oversee and manage an artist’s recording, but they have to be musicians themselves and delve completely into the project. The most important aspect of the producer is to take the artist’s vision and do everything possible to make that vision a reality through their music and recording. We had the opportunity to talk an amazing producer, John Kendall Royston of Echodog Productions. Echodog Productions provide a full service creative and commercial audio production, mixing, songwriting, and voiceover services. John along with his partner Dan Mineart produced the new forthcoming album, Shadows by The Relapse Symphony. It is an amazing album that truly takes the young band to new levels within their music. Check out an interview with vocalist Bret Von Dehl here as we discussed his album. John in addition to producing, is a multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter for his band Savage Bones along with his producing partner, Dan. Their music is filled with emotionally driven lyrics, heartfelt [Read More]

Sunflower Girl: Jill Jack is a the top of her game. By Patrick O’Heffernan

May 24, 2014

By Patrick O’Heffernan, Host, Music FridayLive! A wide-ranging, tightly crafted, deeply personal, pleasure-center-stimulating gift from one of the country’s most talented musical artists. I first saw Jill Jack at a club in Hollywood and she electrified the room with her unique high energy, woman-centered, heart aching country rock. Jill Jack is amazing, awesome, fabulous and any other adjectives you can come up with for a talent that puts on a show that blows the stage away with musical fireworks. So I got a copy of her most recent album, Sunflower Girl, to see if she is as good in the studio as she is on stage. The answer is a definitive yes. Jill Jack and her band have opened for some of the greats of country– Bob Seger, John Waite, Emmylou Harris, Shawn Colvin, Patty Griffin, Dan Fogelberg, Marshall Crenshaw, Chris Issak, and Loretta Lynn. She has played to sellout crowds at SXSW , the Ann Arbor Folk Festival, The Bluebird Cafe and New York’s The Living Room among others. There is even a PBS documentary about her scheduled for broadcast later this year. [Read More]

Ronnie Ficarro’s new single will have you begging for more new music!

May 24, 2014

With the departure of Ronnie Ficarro of Falling in Reverse and Max Green‘s introduction as the new bassist, it just means we get to hear new music by Ronnie! Ronnie wasted no time in giving us all a taste of his solo project as he released an amazing new track. Reminds me of my favorite quote: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson Ronnie Ficarro released his song, Runaway and it is amazing! It has a very punk pop feel with a rock edge. Vocals are engaging, complete with emotionally driven lyrics and is a very catchy tune. It really leaves me begging for more new music by Mr. Ficarro! The song really highlights the talent of Ronnie and his stellar songwriting skills. Some of my favorite lyrics of the song are: “Hoping and I’m praying I’ll face my fears Find what I’ve been looking for all these years” Check out the song here on Spotify: or you can [Read More]

Interview with Jesse Lawson as we talk about his new album Chapter II which is OUT NOW!

May 23, 2014

Most of you know Jesse Lawson when he was guitarist for Sleeping With Sirens. Now you will get a chance to know Jesse Lawson, the solo artist who will capture your heart and feed your soul with his new music. Jesse announced his departure from Sleeping with Sirens in 2013 after wanting to take a break from the world touring. He has said, “My Name is Jesse Lawson, most of you know me from my previous band Sleeping With Sirens. I recently had my first child with my wife and decided to take a break from touring the world non-stop. However, I am not done with music, at all! While in Sirens, I was always writing and wanted to release something where I could express my heart through lyrics and singing. Now, I am at a point in my life where I can do that, which is very exciting! “ We had the chance to chat briefly with Jesse about his new album which was released earlier this week. It really has been getting a [Read More]

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers announce tour dates and album release of July 29th

May 22, 2014

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers have announced the release of their new album, Hypnotic Eye set for July 29th. Hypnotic Eye is the first studio album in four years and will be coming out on Reprise Records. Hypnotic Eye will be available in CD, digital, high resolution Blu-ray audio and vinyl formats. The vinyl will be available as 1-LP or as 2-LPs inclusive of an additional track not available in any other format. Beginning June 3, fans can pre-order the vinyl, CD and Blu-ray audio editions on TomPetty.com and Amazon and can pre-order the digital edition on iTunes and Amazon. In addition to the news of the much anticipated album, they have announced the dates for the North American 2014 Tour. The tour, featuring very special guest Steve Winwood, will begin in San Diego, CA on August 3rd. The tour includes already announced headline performances at San Francisco’s Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival and at the Lockn’ Festival in Arrington, VA. On Labor Day weekend, for the first time ever, the band will perform at Boston’s Fenway Park. Check out the [Read More]