songwriter | Music Junkie Press

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]

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]

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]

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]

Interview with John Waite – “Stay Well, stay in love, be happy, long life”

August 13, 2013

John Waite We had the chance to interview one of my favorite singer/songwriter, musician of all time…. The legendary John Waite. I can’t remember when I first heard John, it had to have been as I stole my brother’s old Baby’s record and I think it was Broken Heart. I don’t think I ever gave him back the record! I was hooked. I continued to listen to The Babys, John’s extensive and successful solo albums and was a big fan of Bad English. A couple years ago, we had the opportunity to check out John as he played in support of his Rough and Tumble CD which I love. I am pleased to tell you that John has just released a LIVE CD; LIVE ALL ACCESS on his own label, No Brakes. It truly has exceptional sound quality and John again delivers a powerful CD that will have you playing it from start to finish. Here is our interview: * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Music Junkie Press: [Read More]

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. 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 new [Read More]

Lisa Lim delivers infectious blues based rock!

June 26, 2013

What do you get when you take some sweet blues, blend it with powerhouse vocals and top it with some rockin guitar? Well the incredible music of Lisa Lim, that is what. You can’t help but move to the great groove that Lisa gives out with her songs especially like “Superstitious Mind” or “Distant Second”. Here is her video for Superstitious Mind: Her sound reminds me of an edgier Sheryl Crow sprinkled with Susan Tedeschi. Lisa delivers passionate vocals and amazing guitar work, truly a work of art! Lisa is a WAMA nominated singer-songwriter and she recently released her second CD, self titled, which you are going to really love! Check out the interview we had with Lisa and learn more about this killer rocker blues artist! * * * * * * * * * * * * Music Junkie Press: Hi Lisa, thank you for taking the time out to talk with us here at Music Junkie Press. How old were you when you first started playing guitar? Lisa Lim: I was ten years [Read More]