songwriter

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'80s Rock

Mike Tramp is our Tuesdays Travels Pick of the Week

October 29, 2013

This week our Tuesdays Travels pick takes us over to Copenhagen, Denmark to introduce you to a very familiar voice, Mike Tramp. You may know Mike, (honestly… you better know!) from his years with White Lion and Freak of Nature. I loved and still love White Lion. They are definitely one of those ’80s bands that I continue to keep on my regular playlist. Mike Tramp has an extensive and successful career with his solo work as well. He most recently released Cobblestone Street earlier this year and it is amazing! This album truly takes you on a soulful journey with music through Mike’s life.  He has mentioned that all of his songs have come from just playing the old faithful acoustic guitar and singing. Mike mentions that this album is what like coming home after a long journey. Mike says, “I am not lost, I am not confused, I am not taking a break. This is the album I have waited a long long time to record, because I didn’t have the guts to [Read More]

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Bands

Interview with Raz Klinghoffer of EarlyRise

October 28, 2013

Earlier this month, we brought to you an interview with Ben Draiman, younger brother of David Draiman of Disturbed and Device. During that interview Ben credited Raz Klinghoffer of EarlyRise and how he gave him great advice with his spectacular cover of Disturbed’s “Stricken”. You can read that interview here: Raz Klinghoffer definitely knows how to do a cover song and make it magical. Raz and his band EarlyRise took Korn’s “Narcissistic Cannibal” and made an incredibly powerful version that is literally breathtaking. Orly Lari’s vocals remind me of a cross between Haley Williams and Cristina Scabbia, two amazing female artists. You can check out the song here: EarlyRise currently has their debut album, “What If” out and is filled with dynamic songs that bring such depth to their music as they have succeeded in what they set out to do, “set out on a unique journey, mixing the poetic side of music with the edgier side of rock”. It is definitely a CD to treasure, complete with emotionally driven lyrics, energetic melodies, and much more [Read More]

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Entertainment

Fiona Kernaghan singer songwriter extraordinaire

October 24, 2013

Sometimes you hear a song that just is music to feed your soul. Yesterday was that day for me. I took a listen to a song by Fiona Kernaghan, singer/songwriter and it just melted me. Her song, “I Don’t Want To Remember” not only has some very clever lyrics but Fiona‘s voice is breathtaking and just draws you in to hear more. Fiona is definitely not a novice at songwriting/singing, she has a vast experience that includes having written twenty hit singles, written theme songs to two TV shows, lots of film and tv placements and over one hundred cuts worldwide. I found the song on her blog that I follow The Song Mistress which takes you on Fiona’s journey of her talented songwriting process. So check out her lyric video for her song, “I Don’t Want To Remember” here:     She has such a magical voice! This song as well as other music by Fiona is available here on Itunes. Please take the time out to check out this amazing artist! Also, make [Read More]

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Entertainment

Exclusive Interview with Ben Draiman on his cover of Disturbed’s “Stricken”

October 19, 2013

Just over a month ago, we featured the very talented Ben Draiman for our Tuesdays Travels pick. He had mentioned he was working on a cover he was soon to release. Well, the time has come and the cover is out and is AMAZING! Ben has released his new interpretation of Disturbed’s “Stricken“. As you might know, Ben is the younger brother of David Draiman from Disturbed/Device.  He has taken a great metal song and transformed it into a spectacular ballad. We had the opportunity to interview Ben to discuss more about this remarkable cover.  First check out the cover:   * * * * * * * *  Music Junkie Press: Thank you Ben for taking the time to talk with us about your recent cover.  I know that in the past you have covered another Disturbed song, “Darkness” as you paid tribute to your brother David while he was visiting you at one of your shows.  Can you tell us what made you choose “Stricken” for your next cover? Ben: It’s a good thing you [Read More]

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Alternative

Tori Vasquez and her amazing performance at the Fillmore

October 10, 2013

Last night we covered the Blue October SWAY tour show in San Francisco at the historic Fillmore.  We were treated to an amazing performance by Tori Vasquez. We got to see Tori as she opened for Justin on his Open Book tour earlier this year. At that time, she did an acoustic performance and that was wonderful. Well, last night we had the honor of seeing Tori play with her band and it was spectacular. Her band definitely give out great energy.  When Tori first steps out on stage, she reminded me of a young Linda Ronstadt and when she performs she brings out the Pat Benatar rockstar in her. She has quite a magnetic stage presence and along with her alluring voice, you can’t help but be drawn to her. Check out the Rockin Ryan’s slide show of photographs from her set: Check out this amazing tribute video Rockin Ryan made for Tori with her song, Free Upon a Dream:   Tori has been working on releasing her first full length album and we [Read More]

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Entertainment

Tuesdays Travels is Ben Draiman of Jerusalem, Israel

September 24, 2013

For Tuesdays Travels I not only introduce you to the incredible music of Ben Draiman but I also have a review of his incredible EP “The Past is Not Far Behind” Ben was born and raised in Chicago but currently resides in Israel so he is our Tuesdays Travels pick of the week! This EP is truly a musical gem that will have you captivated by the emotionally driven vocals and melodic rock style. A perfect combination! If you are a fan of Coldplay or Shinedown… I think I found you your new favorite album….. First song off the EP is Soon Enough and is the perfect start. It has a beautiful piano intro that introduces Ben’s mysterious yet comforting vocals. it builds up to an incredible rock style that emotionally draws you in. Lyrically I am blown away and just can’t wait to see what the next song brings me. Avalanche starts in and you can’t help but enjoy the Black Sabbath guitar with touches of Blue Oyster Cult style thrown in to accentuate [Read More]

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Bands

Moura’s new video for “You” will have you wanting more of their great music!

August 29, 2013

Sonoma County tends to have you thinking about the vineyards and spas at first thought. After you take a listen to the  young talented musical work of Evan Donaldson or as his solo project is called, Moura you will have something more than just grapes to appreciate from the North Bay. Evan has recently released his second EP The Leaving and is currently available on Tunes, Amazon MP3, Bandcamp, and Spotify if you prefer to stream exclusively. His other EP, Sink, is there as well.  His music reminds me of a young Matt Nathanson but yet Evan has his own refreshing style that will soon have you hooked. Evan has recently released a wonderful video for the song, “You” from the EP and it was filmed by Colin Goheen of Mark of The Bear Media. You can check out the video here:   We had asked Evan about the history behind this beautiful song and he tells us, “Long story short: I wrote it about a girl who was leaving for college and I didn’t want her [Read More]