MUSIC LIFE

Thursday, 26 September 2024 01:30

David Gilmour ‘Luck And Strange’ Released On Sony Music. Touring EU - US.

Written by SULÉY ERA

Source: SONY Music

Pink Floyd is known for carefully crafting each of their epic work, and that applies to the solo works of each member of the legendary progressive rock ensemble and the latest release of David Gilmour's highly anticipated new album ‘Luck and Strange’ is not an exception. The album was released on Sony Music on September 6th, 2024, marking his first collection of new material in nine years.

The critically acclaimed nine-track album includes an enchanting reworking of The Montgolfier Brothers' 1999 song "Between Two Points," featuring Gilmour’s 22-year-old daughter, Romany, on vocals and harp. Other highlights include the title track, featuring the late Richard Wright of Pink Floyd, recorded during a 2007 jam session at Gilmour’s home. The album’s artwork is by an acclaimed artist Anton Corbijn.

Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal

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Sunday, 22 September 2024 21:32

SOiL. Scream: The Essentials. Album Review

Written by Rick Patterfield

The first official, a non-promo compilation of Chicago modern metallers SOiL features the piece “The Hate Song,” among others. Originally it was released on the studio album Whole (2013), the band's reunion with vocalist Ryan McCombs. And it is very surprising that the harsh musicians did not dare to call the collection Hate Songs: such a title (or, Songs of Hate) would suit this quite monumental collection much more than the somewhat vague and neutral name of Scream.

You probably already think that this introduction will be followed by about 2,000 characters of reasoning about why the author of this review does not like SOiL as well as all modern metal, as in terms of the 90s?

Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal

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Thursday, 19 September 2024 03:54

Michael Kiwanuka New Album Small Changes Out Nov 15. Co-Headline Tour With Brittany Howard

Written by Gene Aaron

It has been five years since a conceptual album, “Kiwanuka,” received Grammy and Brit nominations and won the Mercury Prize for English singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka, and now the 37-year-old artist returns with his fourth album that reflects on changes in his personal life. The 11-track record “Small Changes” has been announced to be released on November 15th, 2024, via Geffen Records, following Kiwanuka’s US tour co-headlining with Brittany Howard.

For the making of “Small Changes,” Michael Kiwanuka reunited with co-producers Brian "Danger Mouse" Burton (Gorillaz, Black Keys, Gnarls Barkley) and Inflo (Sault, Adele, Cleo Sol), continuing the creative streak that began with his critically acclaimed 2016 UK number-one album, “Love & Hate.”

Published in Pop, Soul, R&B, Indie

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Saturday, 24 August 2024 19:50

JOHN IVAN 2024 GuitarSlinger: A Real Guitar Record For The 2020's

Written by Rick Patterfield

JOHN IVAN, GuitarSlinger

Hope you remember the days of triumph of the mighty US label Shrapnel Records — not only the first American metal label but, far more importantly, a kind of springboard for quite a number of guitar talents all over the US and the world. With a string of albums of such great players as Tony MacAlpine and Paul Gilbert (as a member of Racer X), that label and its boss Mike Varney, a good guitar player himself, wrote the modern rock formula of what an instrumental album of the 80s and 90s should be.

Sadly, such kinds of albums of little-known or even unknown guitar virtuosos are nowadays extremely rare, but a debut solo CD by Ukrainian musician and producer John Ivan Belousov has all the generic traits of those Shrapnel Records of old. Raised on a heavy diet of Yngwie Malmsteen and, eh, aforementioned US shredders, John was once a candidate for one of the last “true” line-ups of the legendary Russian thrash metal institution Master, although his own band Bestia, based in the city of Nikolaev in Ukraine, played a pure US power/speed metal and drew many comparisons with Racer X (again!) even back in the 90s.

Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal

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Friday, 09 August 2024 01:51

Larry Mitchell: Creative Spiritual Journey Through Life And Music

Written by Gene Aaron

In the modern guitar world, few names resonate as profoundly as Grammy-winning producer, engineer, virtuoso guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist Larry Mitchell. Renowned for his spellbinding techniques, soulful compositions, and eponymous signature sound, Mitchell has carved out a niche that defies genre boundaries, seamlessly blending rock, jazz, blues, and world music influences.

During his star-studded journey, Larry recorded and toured with icons such as Tracy Chapman, Ric Ocasek, Billy Squier, Miguel Bosé, and Nile Rodgers. He collaborates with Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, George Lynch, and Doug Doppler, among many others, produced award-winning records for a variety of artists, and released several solo albums since emerging on the scene in the late 1980s.

Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal

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Thursday, 01 August 2024 01:19

Lynyrd Skynyrd Drummer Michael Cartellone Showcases Artwork at Arete Gallery in New Hope, PA

Written by SULÉY ERA

Arete Gallery, located at 122 S Main St, New Hope Pa, has announced the opening of Michael Cartellone’s art exhibit on July 24, 2024, followed by a special meet-and-greet event with Michael on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. The exhibit features pieces from the Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer that are available for viewing and purchase.

Michael Cartellone, renowned for his dynamic drumming with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Accept, Damn Yankees, and others, has once again surprised his fans, this time through his evocative artwork showcased at the Arete Gallery in New Hope, PA. The exhibition presents a compelling blend of Cartellone's rich artistic vision and meticulous technique, offering visitors a unique journey through a diverse array of subjects and styles.

Published in Art News Stand, Art, Music News & Issues

Published in Art News Stand

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Sunday, 28 July 2024 23:33

The Best of NZM Feat. Hit Single No Innocence. Album Review

Written by Gene Aaron

The release of “the best of…” compilation albums by any accomplished artist is always a major and highly anticipated event, praised by fans and the press. More importantly, such work is expected to be a signified mark set upon a certain, often pivotal point of the artist’s career, embarking on the upcoming new chapters. "The Best of NZM" by the prominent South Florida power metal band NZM, released on July 19, 2024, via FireRock Music Group, is just that.

NZM, led by brilliant vocalist, virtuoso keyboard player, and producer Nick Z Marino, introduced their exceptional work throughout the years, which features the band's greatest hits, fan favorites, and rare tracks, capturing the essence of NZM's high-energy and emotionally charged performances and powerful sound, including their latest hit single “No Innocence," offering fans both a nostalgic journey and a fresh perspective on the band’s musical evolution.

Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal

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Sunday, 14 July 2024 21:26

SOiL Tours US, EU, UK With “All Scars” Set. Plays Wacken Open Air And Other Fests

Written by Gene Aaron

For Chicago heavyweights SOiL, 2024 became an exciting and busy year of touring. They started in March by headlining in The Back To The 2000’s Tour along with their counterparts from Texas, nu-metal pioneers The Union Underground, playing exclusive material from their most popular albums that were released in the early 2000’s.

In August, SOiL takes off to Europe for a two-week European tour, The tour kicks off at the legendary Wacken Open Air Festival on August 2 and concludes on August 16 in Sulingen, Germany at the ReLoad Festival. In November 2024, the band returns to the UK for another headlining round for the first time since 2019.

Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal

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Saturday, 13 July 2024 20:48

Fana Hues Releases Masterful Third Album Moth Goes on Tour w/ Lucky Daye

Written by SULÉY ERA

Fana Hues, the visionary artist known for her soul-stirring melodies and evocative lyrics, has released her highly anticipated third album, MOTH, available via Bright Antenna Records. Building on the success of her previous works, Hues masterfully blends genres, crafting a sound that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. MOTH promises to take listeners on a transformative journey through themes of growth, resilience, and self-discovery, all while showcasing Hues' unparalleled vocal prowess and innovative production.

Fana was chosen as a special guest on Lucky Daye’s The Algorithm Tour this Summer, which kicked off on July 11th in San Francisco, and stopping at legendary venues like House of Blues in Boston, Orlando, and Anaheim, New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, and Seattle’s Showbox SODO among dozens of other prime stages across United States adding an extra visit to Canada at the History in Toronto.

Published in Pop, Soul, R&B, Indie

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Saturday, 08 June 2024 04:52

John Ivan Releases "Guitar Slinger," Signs Publicist / Brand Ambassador With SULÉY ERA

Written by SULÉY ERA

Seattle, WA, June 8, 2024 /Suley Era/ -- John Ivan, an internationally acclaimed progressive and thrash metal guitarist and songwriter, a member of the Michael Vescera Project, and co-founder of The Voices of Metal Project, signed a PR and Publicist deal with Suley Group, and became an official Brand Ambassador for Suley Era Publication and Suley Music Online Platform (currently under development).

On February 14th, 2024, John Ivan released his debut solo studio album, "Guitar Slinger," via Bestia Records. "Guitar Slinger" features vocalists Nick Z Marino, Mark Boals, Elvin Rodriguez, Neil Turbin, and bassist Gorka Alegre. All drum tracks were recorded by Nick Tinigin - John’s childhood friend and a permanent partner in his early metal band Bestia.

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Sunday, 28 April 2024 22:26

NOAPOLOGY On A Path To A Worldwide Breakthrough With "Defenseless"

Written by Gene Aaron

With the February 20, 2024 release of their fourth original hit single "Defenseless," alternative metal and modern hard rock powerhouse NOAPOLOGY have entered the undeviating pathway to make a worldwide breakthrough with over 900,000 subscribers and staggering 200 million views on YouTube, and their eagerly anticipated upcoming full-length debut, finalizing their transition from a cover project, formerly known as Sershen&Zaritskaya.

"Defenseless" stands as the newest testament to NOAPOLOGY's unwavering dedication to crafting genuine, heartfelt music. It is a contemplation of Ukrainian rockers in their artistic development, following their previous highly successful originals, “Deadhearted” of 2023, and a debut single “Ashes,” which was produced in two versions - acoustic and a power-charged arrangement.

Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal

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Saturday, 20 April 2024 03:45

The Outfits' New Album ‘Go’ Delivers Uncompromised Energy

Written by Gene Aaron

Thunderous riffs charged with the raw energy of purely aggressive and uncompromised hard rock and catchy melodic hooks comprise the foundation of Chicago rock masters The Outfit's new studio album, "Go." The album was released via Pavement Entertainment, marking their third release, following 2020's "Viking."

"Go" was expertly engineered by Chicago music stalwart Matt Mercado at Sonic Palace Studios in Oak Park, Illinois. It was mixed in Los Angeles by Grammy-nominated, multi-Platinum producer Ulrich Wild, known for his work with Pantera, Static-X, White Zombie, Deftones, and Breaking Benjamin, who produced densely tight, yet well balanced high-quality sound.

Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal

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Tuesday, 12 March 2024 03:34

Exploring 'The Roads': Jonah Kagen's Musical Journey Across America

Written by SULÉY ERA

In the realm of singer-songwriters, Jonah Kagen stands out as a rising star, entrancing audiences with his soulful voice, melodic charm, and poignant lyrics enchanted with heartfelt storytelling. He continues his musical journey with the release of his newest EP, 'The Roads,' and is ready to embark on a two-month-long US tour, starting in Kansas City on March 18, 2024.

Jonah's 6-track EP, The Roads, was released on Arista Records on December 1, 2023. It includes the title single, along with his other hit singles, "Pollution," "Made Up My Mind (ft. Lily Meola)," and "18," as well as two brand new songs, "This Life Ain't Easy" and "Save My Soul."

Published in Country, Folk, World

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Monday, 04 March 2024 01:32

French – German Label InFiné News & Releases: Annual Review

Written by SULÉY ERA

French–German independent record label InFiné has presented a culturally and musically diverse lineup of internationally renowned, exceptionally talented artists, including Deena Abdelwahed, Lucie Antunes, Rone, Sabrina Bellaouel, UTO, Blick Bassy, and Cindy Pooch, who work in a variety of genres, spanning from pop, electronic dance, R'n'B, soul, independent rock, to contemporary instrumental music and motion picture scores.

For the InFiné family of artists, the past few months have been marked by a volume of new releases, music video productions, and extensive touring across the US, Canada, and Europe, opening new opportunities and embarking on new chapters for already well-established and new rising talents, unveiling their latest creations, growing their fan base globally and expanding their creative horizons.

Published in Music News & Issues

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