Concert | Music Junkie Press

Get ready to be swept off your feet by the alluring vocals of Roméo Testa

March 22, 2014

I wanted to share with you the amazing and alluring vocals of a young musician from Los Angeles. The first moment I heard his voice, I ran back over to the computer to get closer and re-examine who I just put on. Allow me to introduce you to Roméo Testa. His voice was magical, filled with such passion and yet maintains a serene vulnerability. You can’t help be mesmerized by him and you are fully engaged as his words touch your heart and his song dances around you. Roméo Testa began his passion in music at the young age of 7 when he took up the violin and the guitar at age 8. He then went on to learn other instruments, and over the years began his incredible journey into singing and songwriting. His style can be classified as acoustic rock or folk rock, but is definitely not limited to there. His songwriting skills are brilliant, as he is in the caliber of such great musicians like Ray LaMontagne, John Mayer or Jason Mraz. Yes, he is just [Read More]

Interview with Eyes Set To Kill as they Infect San Francisco with their amazing performance!

March 22, 2014

Earlier this week, we had the opportunity to catch Eyes Set To Kill in San Francisco at the DNA Lounge. They have been busy on tour for the “Revolver Hottest Chicks in Hard Rock Tour” and were performing at the intimate upstairs stage at the DNA Lounge. For the tour, they have been playing larger venues and it was great to catch them in this smaller setting as they played with Cilver and San Francisco band The Light Iris. We caught up with the band just after soundcheck and are pleased to bring you that interview here: After The Light Iris warming up the crowd with some great metal core and a great set by Cilver, Eyes Set To Kill came out and rocked the DNA. Even though Alexia said she was losing her voice, you would have never known since they sounded every bit as awesome as always. With the recent departure of Cisco, they had an energetic rhythm guitarist play on a couple songs with them. They also performed a couple acoustic [Read More]

Blake Collins’ debut EP: a new talent with a Lennon sound and good potential

March 21, 2014

Blake Collins’ debut EP: a new talent with a Lennon sound and good potential by Patrick O’Heffernan Host, Music FridayLive! Even at his young age, Blake Collins is a renaissance man: painting, collage, drawing, poetry, and of course, music. A young, multi-talented artist with boyish good looks and a degree in fine art from UCLA, he is very busy. He has released his first EP, A Bell Locks In, and is working on a second EP and a full length album while he produces for others and plays bass, keyboard and guitar for three other bands. He also designed and produced the artwork for A Bell Locks In. Recorded in a home studio, the EP shows his strong potential as a songwriter and singer, although the sound is little homemade. A more dynamic microphone or a soundproofed studio would have nailed the production as professional. But, as it is – which is certainly not bad – Blake’s first venture is well worth trying out and he is an artist to watch. By far my favorite [Read More]

Ben Sollee is our Bottle Rock Napa 2014 Featured Artist of the Day

March 21, 2014

Today our Bottle Rock Napa Featured Artist is Ben Sollee. This year’s Bottle Rock lineup has such a variety of music to enjoy and I hope that everyone will take the time to take it all in and enjoy the gift of music. Ben Sollee is just that, an amazingly talented cellist and singer who delivers his gift of music through soulful folk songs. His music can range from soft and sweet to fun and upbeat. He is a definite treasure in this year’s lineup. Ben grew up in Kentucky where he began playing the cello in fourth grade. Music was always surrounding him as his parents encouraged him in his art. H quickly grew into a spectacular songwriter and would bring his music to life on his cello. He is exceptional at creating depth in his musical elements and his folk songs dance off the notes and tones. You will be wildly captivated by him. Music: Half Made Man available on Itunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/half-made-man/id556347983 Song to Check out: Letting Go Check Ben out make sure [Read More]

Grass Child is our Bottle Rock Napa 2014 Featured Band of the Day

March 20, 2014

Today our Bottle Rock Napa Featured Band is Grass Child. Grass Child are one of the local favorites that have been added to this year’s lineup. They bring a fresh new sound of rock/ska/funk/groove/blues to life. What is amazing about this band is their versatility in combining a wide range of influences into their own personal sound that demands to be heard. You will always come away from a Grass Child show with a smile on your face and a warm heart. Grass Child have recently re-released their album Marinade. You can pick up your copy by checking out the available places here. Pick your copy and enjoy my favorites like “Frying”, “The Dream” “Marmalade”, “Down Here” and “Let Yourself Go” so we can all be singing along at Bottle Rock Napa 2014. Here is our quick feature: Band Members: Brant Roscoe Sarah Madsen Barry Forsythe Jonny Tindall John Hannaford Music: Marinade now out on numerous retail outlets, check here for list: http://www.grasschild.net/#!hear/c1bxj Song to Check out: Down Here off their album Marinade Check them out and make sure to visit [Read More]

MACH22 delivers a sweet rockin ride with their new album set to release in May

March 19, 2014

Philadelphia hard rockers MACH22 is set to release their debut album, Sweet Talk Intervention on May 6th. This album is set to take you on a sweet rocking ride filled with killer riffs, soulful melodies, bluesy vibes and magnetic vocals. Sweet Talk Intervention was Produced by Jeff Labar (CINDERELLA) and recorded at Dragon Sound Studios in Nashville, TN. Engineered by Ronnie Honeycutt (JACKYL). Additional engineering and tracking done at Tribe Sound Studios in West Chester, PA by Brian Davis and mastered at Sterling Sound in NYC by UE Nastasi. With all that amazing talent in the making of this album, it is no surprise that it will become a must have album. MACH22 won the praise of Slash as they were hand chosen by him for the Grand Prize Winner in Guitar Center’s Onstage with Slash contest. They definitely have proven to own the rights for that title since they deliver a bad ass rock sound with bluesy tones and soulful touches that will have any rock n roller nod in approval. Check out their video for [Read More]

Our featured Bottle Rock Napa Band of the Day is an all time fave of mine: Gin Blossoms

March 19, 2014

Today our Bottle Rock Napa Featured Band is Gin Blossoms. Gin Blossoms has been one of my all time favorite bands and always reminds me of summertime. I probably think of summer since I remember having my favorite Gin Blossoms Dusted cassette playing on my long summer drives back and forth to LA. I must have worn out that Cassette that summer of 1990. I remember playing them long before my friends hopped on board in 1991/1992 as they re-recorded several of the songs after signing to A&M Records and instantly grew in popularity. Gin Blossoms’ songs are always catchy, fun and carefree. The perfect backdrop for any band. Their music has been described as alternative, melodic rock, pop, folk, and so much more. If I was to describe it I would say Gin Blossoms is like a fun in the sun summer day. If you could take the memories of good times spent with friends, young love, simply having a good time and feeling carefree; that is what Gin Blossoms sounds like. Of course, because [Read More]