Friday, December 22, 2017

Overcoming Self Doubt and Living Your Truth with Lauren Waller

“I can’t hold back anymore. What I write is my truth and an extension of myself. I’ve finally come to terms with who I am,” says singer-songwriter Lauren Waller, a captivating artist who exudes a darkly glamorous soulfulness. 

Lauren’s artist arc has been profound. She’s journeyed from shackling shyness as a teen, stealthily writing songs, singing, and performing in private, unbeknownst to her family, to morphing into an indie pop siren with a sleek and sensual pop sensibility. Her latest EP is the high watermark release, no names here, a stunning collection of cinematic pop songs. 

“It’s been sort of shocking how much I’ve changed once I started writing my own music. It helped me discover who I am as a performer and as a person,” Lauren shares. 





The Los Angeles-based artist bridges the divide between 1980s dark wave and modern electro-textured indie pop. Her aesthetic also encompasses the jagged artiness of alternative rock, embers of the smoldering expressiveness of R&B, the confessional and poetic intimacy of the singer-songwriter idiom, and the thrilling satisfaction of modern pop. Her soulful pop has earned her favorable comparisons to Lorde, Regina Spektor, Sara Bareilles, Adele, and Ingrid Michaelson. To date, Lauren has released two EPs, and garnered press accolades from New Music Express, Young Hollywood, A&R Worldwide, Music Existence, Coming Up Magazine, The Spotlight, All Access Music, and Broadway World, among other outlets. Select performance highlights from Lauren’s resume include performing on RTE, Ireland’s National Television, at the International Rose of Tralee Festival, and appearances at the iconic Viper Room and the esteemed tastemaking club The Hotel Café. 

Lauren grew up in a supportive creative environment. Her father was a hobbyist rock musician with an actively gigging band, but Lauren was fiercely private about her music, exploring it outside the house and clandestinely in her room. At 17, however, Lauren made this private journey public and began performing with her father’s band, opening for established artists such as Helen Reddy, the Fixx, and Berlin, feat Terri Nunn. A year later, Lauren went from performing cover songs to penning the original material that would appear on her debut EP. She continued to write music while attending Pepperdine University where she explored her range of artistic talents, studying stage-management and working on numerous plays. 

Her latest EP—her second overall— no names here, blurs the line between the observational and the personal. “People in my circle kept asking who the songs were about, but it doesn’t matter who they are about. I wanted the songs to speak for themselves so people can project their own perceptions on them,” she says, explaining the EP’s cryptic title. Themes of relationships course through the five-song EP, and, in tone and lyrical content, Lauren expresses raw truths without feeling the need to tilt narratives in the way of happy endings. 

no names here is rife with stunning songs that whisk the listener away to sensual sonic hemispheres replete with dizzying sensual vocals, undeniable pop hooks, and sleek electro-tinged atmospherics. First stop on the EP is “Secret Garden,” which pulls you into a private paradise of forbidden longing that exists between reality and surreality. On the future hit “What If” Lauren mulls over a relationship’s demise with burning yearning emotionality accompanied sparsely by gorgeously melancholic piano figures and haunting textures. The track’s chorus showcases the breathtaking skyward sweep of Lauren’s richly emotive vocals. 

The EP concludes with the sweetly sinister, “Down,” which is destined to be a retro-futuristic dark wave classic. “That song is about how life can be so overwhelming with mind games, voices in your head, and heartbreak. It’s about questioning everything, yourself and the people around you,” Lauren says. 

Up next, Lauren will return to the stage to perform her own music. No longer the shy girl, she’s embracing this enlightened era with confidence and swagger. “When I was younger, putting out my thoughts in the world would be really scary,” she affirms. “But I know who I am now. I feel like a different person, and I’m ready to be vulnerable and share my music.”

Kate Grom: An Impromptu Journey To France Leads To A Career In Music

Two years ago, singer-songwriter Kate Grom was torn between practicality and being her true self. She had graduated college after a transformative time finding her authentic musical voice, and was pursuing her dreams in New York. But in her soul there was a restlessness she couldn’t ignore—she had to break out of her comfort zone to fuel her vision.

To bravely face an uncertain future, the young artist went to France where she knew no one. Alone with a rented acoustic guitar, she faced her fears and embraced her musical gifts. Kate now comes forth with the aptly titled, Heroine, produced by two-time Grammy Award winning producer Stewart Lerman. It is a poetic and boldly vulnerable singer-songwriter album that conjures the elegance of the American countryside.





“That was a challenging time,” says the New York City-based artist, recalling her getaway. “I felt worn down. I thought, maybe spending time alone and away with the guitar would help me fall in love with music, and it did. That was the moment where I decided to define music in my life as my only career focus.”

Thankfully, this fateful time fortified her love of music and Kate’s belief in her talents. Her aesthetic encompasses Americana traditions such as folk, bluegrass, and country, as well as the reflective and literate traditions of contemporary and classic singer-songwriters. Her influences include Stevie Nicks, Loretta Lynn, Bob Dylan, America, Patsy Cline, Emmylou Harris, Simon & Garfunkel, and Gillian Welch, among others. Core to her music is a personal approach to lyric writing with broadly resonate messages, and a musicality that reflects the rural beauty of her time growing up on her parent’s farm in Frenchtown, New Jersey, a quaint artist town bordering the Delaware River.

Back on her parent’s farm, Kate spent a lot of time locked inside her own imagination, making up stories amidst bucolic surroundings. She explored music in performance and application through church choir, chamber choir, and women’s choir, and later studied formally at Belmont University in Nashville.

Kate’s artistic trajectory grew organically from a series of almost random epiphanies. A treasure of classic rock records hidden in the attic of her house became an object of intense fascination for the teenaged Kate. Her uncle—a ride or die Harley man who attended Woodstock—stoked the fire with his own eccentric lifestyle and knowledge of prime 1960s and 1970s rock n’ roll. On her own she explored rootsy artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Emmylou Harris, and the band America. And, later, while at Belmont, Kate soaked up the pure folk, country, and bluegrass wafting forth from the air of Music City.

The title of Kate’s nine-song album, Heroine, is inspired by the Nora Ephron quote “Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” It reflects the empowerment and courageous introspection inherent in Kate’s lyrics. It also reflects Kate’s own path to becoming an independent woman.

Heroine is both rustic and refined, replete with lonesome pedal steel guitar, moony atmospherics, and back porch Americana. The songs simmer with slow burn dynamics, understated grooves, and soaring hooks. Throughout the album, Kate’s vocals exhibit a fragile power—they’re filled with longing, soaring emotionality, and a quaint soulful melancholy that’s both stirring and comforting.

The album’s leadoff single “The Storm” is intimately spare and emotionally immediate. Kate’s vocals have a spectral sorrowfulness. Here, it’s as if she’s beamed from the aftermath of painful breakup, and recounting the ill-fated tail. “That song is about being hopelessly in love with someone, but coming to your senses after a huge blowout and just being done,” she reveals. There is a weary beauty surrounding the album’s title track. The song’s sweet melancholy coats your soul like medicine for broken heart. Kate adds some playfulness to the album with the country ballad “Whiskey Eyes.” On this song, big brown beautiful eyes sweep a lover away because they remind her of whiskey.

Stewart Lerman, who has worked with Willie Nelson, Sharon Van Etten, Elvis Costello, Neko Case, Patti Smith, Antony and the Johnsons, produced Heroine at Hobo Sound. The musicians playing on the record are world-class players who have worked with such venerated artists Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, My Morning Jacket, Brandi Carlile, Lana Del Ray, and the Eagles, among others.

 Up next, Kate will begin gigging to support her LP and to embrace this new era as an assured artist. “It’s been a very long journey to make this record,” reflects Kate. “There have been a lot of ups and downs, but I’ve learned to be patient and to persevere. Now, I’m ready to run out of the gate with this album.”

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Shauna Burns: Anthropology, Witches, and Songwriting while raising a family

Singer-Songwriter-Pianist Shauna Burns is set to release her new single “Scarborough Fair” on October 6, 2017 through Red Rock Music. Shauna Burns rejuvenates “Scarborough Fair” with her own Celtic spin to this English traditional ballad. Singing the female’s reply to the male’s request to prove true love, Shauna brings her own perspective to this classic tale. Her intricate yet, delicate piano melodies whisk through the entire piece. Shauna’s crystalline and haunting vocal performance is laced between engaging threads and a Celtic harp that broaden the dreamy effect of the song.

Shauna Burns is a seasoned singer-songwriter based in the mountains just outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. Shauna blends ethereal vocals and sweeping piano that runs throughout her music and has allured audiences across the United States with her Celtic infused style. She recently celebrated the 10 Year Anniversary of her debut album Every Thought in 2015, commemorating the music that weaves and accentuates empowering themes.





Burns had developed her captivating vocal and playing style while growing up in Miami, Florida where she was inspired by her mother’s love for the piano and groundbreaking pop/rock artists like Sarah McLachlan and Tori Amos.

After receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology at the University of Utah, she spent a year in Europe preparing her first album. Burns’ music has long been inspired by many cultures and ideas that surround the world as well as the landscape of the deserts and mountains of the Western U.S. Drawing metaphorically upon her passion for Anthropology, she sees every phase of her career as a new opportunity to dig into herself to uncover the next musical adventure.

Burns’ profound lyrics and sweeping piano solos have been built on her reputation in the Celtic music world. “It’s heartwarming to receive messages from people who discover and connect with the music and it’s humbling to know that what was created in solitude has the ability to touch people emotionally,” Shauna says. “I use Anthropology as a songwriting tool all the time. It’s the study of human development and cultural identity and relationships between people. I feel the need to cultivate and nurture these little seeds of inspiration because they can grow into big ideas if we take care. It makes me question: What’s next for all of us in the world? What is the universe trying to tell us? I’m listening.”

Shauna Burns’ 2005 debut album, Every Thought, unlocked the door to an exhilarating career as one of the most promising multi-talents on today’s indie music scene. In 2006, Shauna released her follow-up EP Desert Tune which continued to grow and evolve her musicianship and performance talents. Her spiritually driven journey blossomed on her breakthrough 2008 recording, The Moon and The Fire Circle, and continued on to her 2009 EP, Anamnesis.

The Moon and the Fire Circle, a richly thematic and ultimately healing work that offered an emotional bridge between darkness and light, met with similar success. Its first single “Around You” reached #7 on the FMQB AC Chart, was one of WCH Radio’s “Top Songs for 2008” and hit #1 on “Song Vault Radio.” The collection was selected “Best of 2008” by Collected Sounds and The Promise Live. Radio Crystal Blue also chose Burns as one of the “Top Recording Artists of the Year 2008.” Conceived as an extension of the music on The Moon and the Fire Circle, Burns’ follow-up five track EP Anamnesis included songs that relate in some way to each of the five senses (including “Smell”).

Over the years, Burns has enchanted audiences across the U.S. and in the U.K. with her inspirational songs and Celtic piano driven sound. 2011 brought the holiday release, A Winter Gathering, which is a collection of newfangled, holiday carols and original songs.

The year 2013 saw Burns express fresh ideas through her symphonic storytelling. Her full-length album, Violet, showcased her flourishing and thriving songs that focused on female love-inspired freedom. Continuing with her Celtic flair, the album created positive messages of understanding, and revealed that women are capable of being a heroine and uplifting those around them.

In celebration of Shauna Burns’ 10 Year Anniversary of her debut album, Every Thought, Shauna released three rousing singles in 2015. Shauna’s soothing voice glides across her signature sweeping keyboard style and a driving drum rhythm in her first 2015 single, “Hazel.” The second single, “Gray Moon” is a soothing song where she sings of change and the goodness that comes with it. The lyrics are paired with beautifully orchestrated piano solos bringing it all together for a minimal, dramatic effect that highlights Burns’ recognizable vocals and inspirational lyrics. “From Flying,” Shauna’s third single in 2015, was inspired by taking risks and following dreams. “‘From Flying’ seems like it covers a lot of space and time to me. The song is about jumping off the cliff of possibility even when it seems like it’s impossible. Going for your dreams against the odds.”

“I view these performances as if I’m holding a conversation with the audience,” Burns says. “I’m communicating with whoever chooses to listen in that moment, and I like to visualize my music embracing whoever wants to embrace it. Just as it’s a friend to them, music is my friend as well. There’s also a time travel element to the experience as well. A lot of people say my songs remind them of things they haven’t thought about in years. They help them recall the innocence of childhood that they had forgotten about. That’s what music does for me, too. I have a huge respect for the power of music and just how spiritual it can be. That’s why I take it so seriously.”

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

The Best Singing Drummers in Rock

There is something that is pure magic about a guy or gal laying down a vicious groove behind the drum set. It's hard work, but when one of these amazing musicians is also a great singer, you are really beyond impressed! This week on the Loudini Hard Rock and Metal Circus, we salute The Best Singing Drummers in Rock with special guest, Lily Sixx from Rock Rage Radio  Featured Loudini Artists:    The Last Vegas   Jinjer   Meka Nism




The Last Vegas
Band Members
Chad Cherry - Vocals
Adam Arling - Guitar
Johnny Wator - Guitar
Bryan Wilkinson - Guitar
Danny Smash - Bass
Nathan Arling - Drums

Hometown
Chicago, IL

Record Label
AFM Records

About
www.thelastvegas.com

Biography
The Last Vegas are a rock band hailing from Chicago, IL. Their music draws influence from ‘70s classic rock and glam, ‘80s hard rock and heavy metal and garage and punk rock while at the same time maintaining a unique sound all their own.

Current Location
Chicago, IL

General Manager
Frank Mastalerz at FM Entertainment

Press contact
info@thelastvegas.com

Booking agent
TKO 
jimlenz@tkoco.com
natea@tkoco.com

Jinjer
JINJER is a Ukrainian female fronted band which plays a mixture of progressive metalcore and groove metal, with some inlays of funk, reggae and jazz, though on their second LP the band shifted a bit to death metal of the European school. JINJER were formed in 2010, when Tatiana Shmailyuk joined the guys as a vocalist. In 2013, the band were acknowledged as the best metal band of the year in Ukraine. 
JINJER are often mistakenly compared to Iwrestledabearonce, Straight Line Stitch, Arch Enemy, etc. Which is completely wrong, as members of JINJER, being asked about their influences, always name such bands as Lamb of God, Pantera, Gojira, Killswitch Engage, Death, Chimaira, All Shall Perish, Protest the Hero. However, Tatiana says that she really appreciates Sandra from Guano Apes and Shamaya from Otep for being her biggest inspirations as a female metal vocalist. She also mentions Mikael Åkerfeldt from Opeth and Randy Blythe from LOG.
In April 2014 JINJER released their second LP – CLOUD FACTORY. The album is devoted to the devastating effect of the heavy industry and global businesses on the environment,nature and average people's lives. 
To support CLOUD FACTORY album the band went on a long European tour in April-May 2014 around Poland, Germany, Czech, Belgium, France, Switzerland and Russia. JINJER have shared the stage with TIAMAT, PAIN, CALIBAN, EKTOMORF, CLAWFINGER, EVENASCENCE, RASMUS, KATAKLYSM, BLESS THE FALL, etc. Over three years of touring JINJER have played more than 300 shows around the European Union, Russia and Ukraine. The band is a common participant of many top open-air festivals in Ukraine and the EU.

Awards
the Best Ukrainian Metal Band of 2013, 2016

General Manager
Europe allen@godownbelieving.com
North America info@theoraclemgmt.com

Influences
thrash and groove metal, progressive metal, technical death metal, nu-metal, alternative metal, reggae, jazz, metalcore

Press contact
Claudia Steinlechner 
claudia.steinlechner@napalmrecords.com

Booking agent
N America: logan@satellitetouring.com
Rest of World: thorsten.harm@napalm-events.com

Meka Nism
Meka Nism is a metal band that is comprised of exquisitely talented musicians that seamlessly work in unison to create some of the most elaborate, unique and eclectic music on the planet. Members include, Meka (vocalist), Bobby Keller (lead guitar), Jarret Robinson (bass), Jay Adkisson (keys), and Christopher Lane (drums).

Meka Nism was formed back in 2006 and originated as Meka Nism and Her Rusty Tears. Meka was the former guitar player for Orlando punk legends Dirty Barby and Angel Autopsy, who enchanted audiences for years. Florida based Hidden Records quickly noticed her as being a unique talent and put her on their independent label. In 2006, “Mad to Love” was the first album recorded by Meka Nism and her Rusty Tears. The album was recognized as an exceptional artistic achievement of great beauty and passion. "Break," the second track from the album was the WINNER of the Songwriter's Showcase of America's (SSA) Best Experimental Song of the Year – 2006. Meka was also SSA's Solo Artist of the Month - January 2007. Explosive with enthusiasm, Meka made a scorching impact on the Central Florida music scene. She has a strong, loyal fan base, not only in Florida, but around the United States, in areas like Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and many more.

In 2010, with the return of Meka from touring in Japan with over 150 shows, the movement to solidify the group as “Meka Nism” began and in March of 2013, the debut EP “The Dance at the End of the World” was released as the band’s first collaborative collection of songs as a unit. The theme behind the EP was based off of a world that was destroyed, desolate and in dismay. It was meant to uplift spirits to a higher potential out of negative situations and to bring them to light. The idea of playing their music as the world came to an end was the ultimate triumph, which was based on 2012’s prediction of the world coming to an end. The band also released their first music video for the single “Bring the Sun Back” in October of 2013. Meka Nism’s debut EP “Dance at the End of the World” was proof that new sounds, new excitement and new frontiers have not only been explored but have been claimed as their own unique voice in the music industry.

After touring and playing numerous amounts of shows in Florida and in the South East, opening for Mastodon at the Kink Festival, and a headlining House of Blues show, Meka Nism began the journey to start “The Shift”. The EP was successfully funded by a Kickstarter campaign back in 2014. Brett Hestla, former bass player for Creed and vocals for Dark New Day, was chosen as the producer and recording began back in October of 2014. “The Shift” was released on May 1st with a massive CD Release show at the House of Blues in Orlando, Florida. 

2015 was a big year for the band in that they toured for a month with platinum award winning band, Trapt, all across the mid-west and east coast. Earlier in the year, playing the Texas Showdown Festival in El Paso, Texas, opening for the likes of The Offspring, Limp Biscuit, Upon a Burning Body, and more. Followed by a tour across Texas with Otep. 
In 2016, Meka Nism got the opportunity to tour with the Swedish power-house and one of metal's biggest up and coming bands, Avatar. The two bands wrecked havoc across the east coast and mid-west before ending in Minot, North Dakota. Upon returning home, Meka Nism was named Orlando's #1 Metal Band according to the Orlando Weekly and was chosen to headline the local stage at the 3rd Annual Kink Festival opening for Evanescence, Hellyeah, and InFlames. 

Nothing has seemed to slow down. 2017 has proven to be a big year for the band so far. They were given the slot to open the main stage at WJRR's Earthday Birthday 24 with the likes of Alter Bridge, Sevendust, Nonpoint, and more. The name of the new EP, "The War Inside", was unveiled and the plans of recording it in Germany with world renowned producer and engineer, Lasse Lammert, were announced as well.

Awards
2016 Orlando Weekly Best of (#1 Metal Band in Orlando)

2015 Orlando Weekly Best of (#2 Metal Band in Orlando)... See More

Current Location
Orlando, Florida

Press contact
mekanismrocks@gmail.com

Booking agent
mekanismrocks@gmail.com

Monday, December 18, 2017

Billy Crain: Legendary Songwriter Picks Up his late Brother's Ax and does battle with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

I've played in front of 1,100,000 people in Washington, D.C. on the fourth of July, and performed for no one in a club called The Losers on Christmas Eve. I learned how to play guitar from the best, my brother Tommy Crain. I got to see Duane Allman, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Albert King, and Jimmy Page perform during my teen years. I've shared the stage with The Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Van Halen, ZZ Top, The Cars, The Marshall Tucker band, The Allman Brothers Band, The Charlie Daniels Band, Molly Hatchet, Merle Haggard, George Strait, Jerry Lee Lewis, and all the heroes of old. I've played a show using Duane Allman's Les Paul, recorded using Steve Gaines Stratocaster, and am the proud owner of  my brother's beloved Gold Top Les Paul. I've stayed up all night flipping quarters with Gregg Allman, jammed with Dicky Betts on "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" into the wee hours on a snowy night in a hotel room in Philadelphia, and almost had the bottom half of my left ear bitten off by Allen Collins. 






Keith Urban spent his first Thanksgiving in the USA at Mama Crain's house and oh yeah, I drank whiskey with Jimmy Page. I've stood onstage with a Blues Brother named Dan Ackroyd, traveled in Econoline Vans, Silver Eagles, puddle jumper airplanes, and toured the world many times over. I've recorded with little known acts at the time like Shania Twain and The Dixie Chicks. I've received royalty checks for as little as 15 cents, and as big as $80,000. I've been an Outlaw, a Bellamy Brother, a Music Row songwriter, producer, and session guitar player. I've won multiple songwriter awards, received multi-platinum sales awards, and ended up shoveling horse**** to pay my child support. I have been saved by the Grace of God, been a foster parent, a humanitarian to Haiti,  buried my brother, and my parents, got sued,  helped my wife survive cancer, adopted two young children, and had to retire indefinitely from the road for health reasons, all in a two year period. I still love to play guitar, write songs, and make records. I love Jesus, my wife, and four children, and that's about all you need to know about me......
Billy Crain

Sunday, December 17, 2017

SYBS: Brother and Sister Unite To Motivate The World With Music

Perspective is the palette from which you paint your world. If you use drab colors, your existence will be dreary. Dobi and Yugy of the sibling artist and production duo, SYBS, were raised celebrating life with a joyous, faith-based mindset. Even when times have been bleak, the brother sister team have seen vibrant colors peaking through. It’s an infectious mindset that imbues the pair’s refreshingly eclectic aesthetic.

“The message of our music is: Even when it’s hard, or you’re sad, perseverance, respect for yourself and others, and faith in positive changes are what really matter,” says Dobi. Yugy adds: “We draw from our real lives to create music that inspires people to continue on in the face of adversity.”






SYBS is music of unity. Dobi says: “Besides the name touching upon us being brother and sister, the name represents that music brings us all together, and that makes us all siblings,” Dobi shares. Adding to poignancy here is that music also brought Dobi and Yugy together. “We were not that close as brother and sister when we were younger. It was, ultimately, a shared love of music that helped us find common ground and develop a stronger relationship over the years,” Yugy says.

SYBS is a transatlantic, cross-genre, and pan-cultural musical experience. The siblings are of Nigerian descent and have resided globally. Currently, the pair split their time between London, New York, and Los Angeles. The pair’s exhilarating tribal pop sound is a contemporary fusion of 80’s pop, 90’s hip-hop/ R&B, and African influenced rhythms. It’s a music that hits your head, hips, and heart.
SYBS is the culmination of two parallel lives in music. Dobi and Yugy share a grounding in classical music and panoramic listening tastes. The siblings grew up in a house where Beethoven, Mozart, West African High Life, The Beatles, Motown, Sam Cooke, Madonna, Sade, Abba, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and David Bowie coexisted as a vibrantly varied soundtrack. Their paths have been divergent—with Dobi blossoming into a charismatic front-person and songwriter, and Yugy finding his gifts in the subtle side of the arts as a producer, songwriter, and composer.

Together, Dobi and Yugy pool together impressive and intriguing career resumes. In 2007, Dobi released her debut solo single, “Feel That Jam!”—a co-write with Yugy—that, as an indie release, rocketed to #7 on the UK Club Charts. Dobi also energized dance floors as the front-lady of the slinky groove band, Über-Tone. Outside, of his behind-the-scenes production work, brother Yugy is a former professional basketball player who holds the distinction of being the second player ever to be named Ivy League Player Of The Year twice.

Though their partnership seems inevitable—both are accomplished producers, songwriters, and lifelong musicians—SYBS could only have happened now. Recently, Dobi closed a 5-year chapter with her touring band, and Yugy left his post-basketball career gig as real estate agent to dedicate his full time to music. “I don’t believe in coincidences,” shares Dobi.

As artists SYBS will be spreading a message of passion and unity through their music. Yugy says: “We want to connect to people with love and build a community around our music and outlook on life. If in some small way we can inspire others to pursue what they are passionate about and make room for it in the midst of their busy lives we would have done something meaningful”

Reaching for the spiritual, grasping the magical with Dylan Galvin

Hand chosen by Paul Simon for a private songwriting session in Boston MA, Dylan Galvin is a melodic pop-folk songwriter who writes songs that resonate with introverts and thinkers .  Earning a degree from Berklee College of Music, Dylan studied under some of the best musicians in the world, including John Mayer's own guitar teacher, Tomo Fujita and James Taylors quaint and talented brother, Livingston.  

He's racked up quite a few awards for his music including "IMEA Adult Contemporary Artist of the Year", "Phoenix Radio Best Guitarist", "ISC Honorable Mention", "Berklee Songwriting Competition Winner". He is an introverted storyteller at heart, weaving words into his intricate acoustic finger-style guitar playing, looking at the world with careful discernment and trying to balance his inner optimist and pessimist.  





Shortly before Dylan was born in 1984 Mike Galvin (his dad) was in a rock band called "The Bleeding Hearts".  They were gaining steam fast.  Extreme opened for them (yes, the guys that sing “More Than Words”).  Stevie Nicks wanted to buy one of their songs.  Then came newborn Dylan. (sidenote - yes he was named after Bob Dylan and he uses this to explain how he was destined to play music).  His father immediately shelved the rock dream to be a dad.  His dad didn’t realize that those late nights when he was strumming his guitar in his room and singing songs of being young, of love and adventure, social change and stories, songs from Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, his curly headed, bathrobe-clad three year old was curiously listening from the hallway, wondering what all those stories meant.  

During his adolescent years his parents divorced, he struggled with depression, anxiety and bullying.  Remembering those first intriguing memories of his dad playing music, the guitar became a form of therapy, of identity and of self-expression that grew and blossomed every day until he realized that he wanted to carry his dad’s torch and make a career out of the strange wooden instrument.  He has since graduated from Berklee College of Music and has been a full time musician ever since.

Light, Shadow, and Beauty. The life of Music Photographer Rob Lundberg

Robert Lundberg is an acclaimed music, street, and fine art photographer. Originally hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, and currently residing in Brooklyn, New York, he takes his unique and candid style from the street into the world of musicians. He has been featured in publications such as The Huffington Post, Paste Magazine, Vents Magazine, The Patch and countless others including podcasts. This past October, his work was featured in Chelsea, New York in lower Manhattan at the Clio Art Fair. Lundberg differs from a lot of current day music photographers as he likes to capture the artists in their truest and purest form.










 Recently granted access backstage to take photos behind the scenes, he did a series of candid shots with Eric Nally (formerly of Foxy Shazam) and Xperience. Taking his unique eye to the stage, he has also shot bands such as The National, Japanese Punk Band Pinky Doodle Poodle, glam rocker Baby Yors, Jukebox the Ghost, and recently the tour poster for We Are Scientists upcoming world tour among countless others. His style is best described as 'raw, organic and gonzo,' as he brings out the essence of his subjects in the photos. 

Thursday, December 14, 2017

What Makes Heavy Metal and Heavy Rock ...Heavy?

What makes music actually sound HEAVY? Pounding Drums? De-tuned Guitars? Screaming Vocals? What makes something sound heavy TO YOU? Find out once and for all on this episode of The Loudini Hard Rock and Metal Circus!  Featured Loudini Artists:    Cane Hill  Voodoo Six  Butcher Babies




















Cane Hill
Nü Metal band from New Orleans, LA 

Cane Hill proudly uses:
Omega Cabinets
www.poweredbyomega.com

ESP/LTD Guitars
www.espguitars.com

Fender Guitars
www.fender.com

GHS Strings & Acessories
www.ghsstrings.com

DR Strings
www.drstrings.com

Vater Percussion
www.vater.com

Evans Drumheads
www.evansdrumheads.com

Sabian Cymbals
www.sabian.com

Gender
Male

Current Location
New Orleans, LA

General Manager
Craig Jennings, Matt Ash, Andy Snape, and Monica Franco for Raw Power Management

Press contact
USA - Amy Sciarretto for Atom Splitter PR
amy@atomsplitterpr.com
UK - Hayley Connelly for Little Press hayley@littlepress.co.uk

Booking agent
UK/Euro – Tom Taaffe @ UTA ROW - Michael Arfin & Nick Storch @Artist Group International
Cane Hill is an aggressive 5 piece metal band hailing from New Orleans, LA. The band's been spending the last year touring the states with the likes of The Hollywood Undead, The Acacia Strain, and For The Fallen Dreams. On October 23rd 2015 the band will be releasing their self titled EP, recorded by Drew Fulk via Rise Records. To support the release, Cane Hill will be embarking on the "To Those Left Behind Tour" with blessthefall and Stick To Your Guns. You can pre-order the EP right now at www.wearecanehill.com, while you're there you can check out the bands new music video for "Time Bomb" featuring Scout from the band issues.

Voodoo Six
Voodoo Six
‘Make Way For The King’ album,
Live UK dates September 


Voodoo Six return to the scene with the release of their fourth studio album, ‘Make Way For The King’, released via Cadiz Music on 8 September 2017. Exclusive special editions will be available via www.pledgemusic.com/voodoosix; anyone pre-ordering through PledgeMusic will receive, ahead of the album’s release, an exclusive Radio Edit of the album title track ‘Make Way For The King’.

‘Make Way For The King’ boasts twelve brand new tracks and was recorded in Los Angeles in 2017. The record was produced by Tom Fletcher [Suicidal Tendencies, Ozzy, Steve Lukather, Yes, Jeff Beck, Scorpions, Toto, Malmsteen]. ‘Make Way For The King’ will be the first album to feature new vocalist Nik Taylor-Stoakes. Voodoo Six specialise in a delivering driving, contemporary rock with an undercurrent of blues and cut through with killer riffs. Classic Rock approved of their, “groove, pace, power, insistent songs and some stunning musicianship.”

In support of ‘Make Way For The King’, Voodoo Six are also preparing to announce UK tour dates. The band are a renowned live force, having toured all over Europe, notably as special guests for Iron Maiden, and indeed for Steve Harris’ British Lion, but have also performed four times at the Download Festival and twice at Sonisphere.

TRACKLISTING
Electric / Make Way For The King / Let Me Walk / Falling Apart / Riot / Amen / Until The End / Release The Hounds / The Choking / Walk A Mile / Wasteland / Swept Aside

Founder member Tony Newton said of the new record and fresh start for the band, “It feels like this is the right time for us to return. We’re incredibly proud of the new material and can’t wait both for people to enjoy ‘Make Way For The King’ at home but also to join us for what are going to be some amazing live shows!”

The current Voodoo Six lineup consists of Nik Taylor-Stoakes (Lead Vocals), Matt Pearce (Guitar), Tony Newton (Bass) and Joe Lazarus (Drums).

The new album shows just why the band has gathered such a loyal following since forming in 2003. There may have been a few bumps in the road along the way but with ‘Make Way For The King’ Voodoo Six show that they are still in with a chance of seizing the crown.

For more information please contact Chris Hewlett PR on chris@chrishewlett.com

Current Location
London, England

General Manager
info@voodoosix.com

Influences
Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Audioslave, RATM, AC/DC

Press contact
chris@chrishewlett.com

Booking agent
ADL Management - anna@adlmanagement.com

https://www.voodoosix.com

Butcher Babies
For nearly a decade, Butcher Babies have been crushing stages worldwide with their vicious live performance and explosive energy. Their stage presence is a hypnotic spectacle that leaves audiences hungry for more. Frontwomen Heidi Shepherd and Carla Harvey, guitarist Henry Flury, bassist Jason Klein and drummer Chase Brickenden juxtapose brutal, aggressive riffs with beautiful melodies that wail with emotional redemption. 

Hailing from the City Of Angels, Butcher Babies aided in the jubilant revival of the Metal scene on the Sunset Strip. While gaining attention from several record labels the band signed a worldwide deal with Century Media Records in December 2012. Less than a year later, July 2013, they released their debut album GOLIATH, produced by Josh Wilbur (Gojira, Lamb of God, Hatebreed). Followed by their highly anticipated sophomore headbanger, TAKE IT LIKE A MAN, August 2015, produced by Logan Mader (FFDP, Gojira, Soulfly). 
The evolution continues as the band is set to release their third full studio album, October 27, 2017, LILITH, produced by Steve Evetts (Suicide Silence, Dillinger Escape Plan, The Cure). With three albums and two EPs under their belt, Butcher Babies have reached a new level of maturity solidifying a triumphant return after a brief creative hiatus to write and rebuild. LILITH opens with a kick right to the teeth with the aggressive Burn the Straw Man, then drips with sensuality on tracks like Headspin and The Huntsman, pairing riveting guitars with velvet vocal harmonies. This album runs the gamut between exploring the dark roots of lust and the high energy thrash hijinks that Butcher Babies have become known and loved for.
Butcher Babies have toured relentlessly among the likes of Megadeth, Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, Five Finger Death Punch, Danzig, In This Moment, Cradle of Filth, Black Label Society, etc; played music fests including Mayhem, Download (UK), Hellfest (France), Knotfest (US & Japan), Hell and Heaven(Mexico), Rock on The Range, Louder Than Life, Aftershock, Welcome to Rockville, etc. and appeared in the film Alleluia! : The Devils Carnival.

Current Location
LOS ANGELES

General Manager
Mike Monterulo - MikeMonterulo@tkoco.com

Influences
HEAVY FUCKIN METAL

Booking agent
US - Justin Hirschman for AGI
Justin.Hirschman@ArtistGrp.com

International- Dan DeVita for TKO
dandevita@tkoco.com

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Pam Taylor: "Stop Complaining and Start Creating" The Power of Fun and Intention!

Pam is an American roots musician born and bred in the South, well versed in the blues. Her debut album Hot Mess hit #1 on the Roots Music Report, #3 on Sirius XM BB Kings Bluesville and #25 on The Living Blues charts, making a name for herself in the blues world. When her band broke up in 2014 she was mentored on guitar by the legendary blues woman, Debbie Davies. She then teamed up with Robert Johnson to form Stolen Hearts and released an album called Dirty Southern Soul in 2015. Now she is back in the studio recording her next solo album. Although she has many awards and nominations under her belt she finds the most rewarding aspect of her career to be the impact her music has on people. After earning the right to sing the blues, by overcoming addiction, depression and physical ailments, she serves up a positive message along with her music; Knowing how it healed her, she plans to carry this message to others in hopes it will heal them too.  


Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Dave Bremner: Rock Poems for the 21st Century

Dave Bremner has been around the music business for more years than he would want to admit. Dave got into recording his “rock poems,” as he calls them, when his daughter Dawn bought him studio time for his 50th birthday gift. Dave’s own songs have been recorded either as solo projects or with a band of eclectic musicians called Luna Reklipse. This combo produced a superb album of rock arrangements of a number of Dave’s songs called “NEW BEGINNING.” However due to life getting in the way, that group is no longer together, and subsequent “band” set ups have failed to produce the right feel for Dave.

So, as his love for writing and performing is stronger than the desire to give up, Dave has jumped back on the solo hobby horse, performing live acoustic tracks or to backing tracks of his own songs, and is finding the return to solo projects very rewarding, thus far. He candidly says in his opening address at his gigs, “welcome to a night with Davy nae mates!!” ( Which is not true – as many of his music pals often come to watch his gigs and support his songwriting, just not as band mates any more.





This latest EP release (“Tigers and Dragons”) is a collection of some of Dave’s early songs, he often plays while performing live. He is often asked, “where can we down load these?” So, he thought it was about time these were back out there, so folks can get them.

“REASON TO LIVE” - A beautiful song about, and thanking his beautiful wife, for the support she has given him over so many years, and for so many different reasons.

“I HAVE YOU” - Again, a song about his own love for Julie, that came to him while receiving Reiki treatment during a bout of depression. Also covered by Luna Reklipse, it is one of Dave’s most requested tracks.

“LOOKING FOR LOVE” – A gentle version of this rock track – based on a dream and using a real play on mystic influences of his music hero, Marc Bolan.

“OUTSIDE” - Is a song Dave loves for a number of reasons, as people can identify with the words on so many levels.

“HEY JO” - A peaceful, laid back song about Facebook, on this occasion helping a Marc Bolan nut (Dave Bremner ) helping a fellow Marc Bolan nut (Jo Mummery) out of a difficult situation that could have had a tragic ending.

Dave Bremner is an accomplished song writer, but he knows he would not be able to get his songs to the masses without the help and support of ace guitar player and fantastic producer Niall Mathieson. He openly thanks him for the top quality work and his friendship over so many years.

Later this year, Dave will be re – releasing a Celtic Rock track called “Highland Home” – with any profits going to a Scottish cancer relief charity called, very aptly, CLAN. A wonderful organization that cares for those who need help when the dreaded cancer strikes. Dave was once one of those souls in need, and never forgets the support he got.

Dave is also awaiting news on the release of a song co-written and produced with Tony Watson – an interesting song and project that was recorded and filmed, and then produced and mastered on both sides of the Atlantic.

This hard-working songwriter has always dreamt of having someone notable in the industry record and perform his songs – and he will keep the fight going to make this happen, going until the final bell – more songs already in production awaiting final producer input. Different sounds on the way from this writer of memorable melodies that sit behind /support his rock poems.

HOT NEWS – Dave and a long time friend and fellow song writer, Dave Plenderleith have put together an acoustic duo called, Double D ( memorable name ) based on the 2 daves.They will be hitting the recording studio soon and hope to have an EP ready for release in early 2018. A little bit of country – a little bit rock n roll.

Monday, December 4, 2017

Alice In Chains: Dirt vs Stone Temple Pilots: Core

It's the Hard Rock/Grunge Throw down that you've been waiting for! Alice In Chains, Dirt vs Stone Temple Pilots. Core. Which one is better? Rocked Harder? Is More Enduring? Better Songwriting? Better Musicianship? Lou and Keith answer these questions and more. Tune in to find out  who will be the champion!   Featured Loudini Artists:    Scorpion Child    Charm The Fury    Bullet














Scorpion Child
A rock ‘n’ roll record should unlock a journey. The music, lyrics, and aura can summon a trip out of the ether. Scorpion Child conjure that kind of trip on their second full-length album, Acid Roulette [Nuclear Blast Entertainment].

The Austin, TX quartet—Aryn Jonathan Black [vocals], Christopher Jay Cowart [lead guitar], Jon “Charn” Rice [percussion], Alec “Mexecutioner” Padron [bass], and Aaron John “AJ” Vincent [heavy keys]—confidently expand the sonic palette established on their 2013 self-titled debut. That first offering bowed at #26 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart and #99 on the Hard Music Albums chart. Following its premiere by Eddie Trunk, iTunes named “Polygon Of Eyes” its “Single of the Week,” and Scorpion Child earned a nomination for “Best New Band” at the Classic Rock Magazine presented “Classic Rock Awards.” They’d also share the stage with Monster Truck on the “Lords of the Riff” UK Tour.

Everything set the stage to play Acid Roulette.
“We didn’t want to divorce what we had built on the first record,” explains Aryn. “At the same time, we wanted to show we could do a lot of different things. The goal was to create a sound that could be both ethereal and turbulent. It was a journey making it. We all were going through a lot of stuff, but everything fell into place.”

Following a breakout two years, the group amicably parted ways with drummer Shawn Paul Alvear, bassist Shaun Avants, and guitarist Thomas Frank. Scorpion Child welcomed “Charn,” “Mexecutioner,” and “AJ” and immediately hit the studio in early 2015. Once again, they teamed up with GRAMMY® Award-nominated producer Chris “Frenchie” Smith [Meat Puppets, The Toadies, …And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead] at The Bubble in Austin, TX. However, they took a different route this time during their three weeks in the studio.

"We recorded the heart and soul of the album live in the studio” says Aryn. “We didn’t do that on the first record. Tracking live made the album a snapshot of a moment. Since the guys just joined the band, we didn’t have much time to figure each other out or overthink things. We just naturally clicked. It was a do or die situation, but it worked out. Our initial vision became more intense with time and texture.”

That intensity courses through the album’s conceptual narrative. A tale of love, loss, lust, betrayal, and a game called “Acid Roulette,” the record follows the story of a doomed love that lands the male protagonist behind bars while his wife lives out an affair with her wealthy lover.
“With extensive touring, you experience so many things,” Aryn goes on. “I had this lucid dream about a bohemian guy who gets framed for a murder he perhaps did or didn’t do. He goes to prison for life. In order to mentally escape, he plays ‘Acid Roulette.’ The inmates would take a jar and cut up a sheet of acid and a sheet of paper. They’d mix it all up. Some guys wound up with like five hits of acid, while other people got none. It’s crazy.”
That story comes to life across the record’s twelve songs. The first single “Reaper’s Danse” revs up a twin guitar assault ala the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and otherworldly howl that could rouse any graveyard from its slumber.
“Lyrically, it’s the dance of the dead,” he explains. “It’s about what we become in the afterlife. It’s this triumph on top of something monolithic. The character is thinking about death, but he has no rope. He still has some will to live.”
“My Woman In Black” tempers a muscular riff with a bluesy cadence that’s wonderfully doomy as our protagonist muses on the woman that destroyed him.
“It’s about the first time he ever saw her,” continues Aryn. “Musically, it’s like an archway for us. We’re leaping into other influences like dark wave and even nodding to the likes of Bauhaus and The Sisters Of Mercy.”
Whether it’s the woozy psychedelic soul of the title track or the haze of delay on the chugging “She Sings I Kill,” Scorpion Child channel the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll with a fresh spell of their own.
“We wanted to blend sounds we haven’t heard before,” Aryn leaves off. “It’s gritty when it needs to be. There’s a lot to think about in there. I hope people can absorb something personal when they go on this ride.”

Gender

Current Location
abroad

Press contact
mail@nuclearblastusa.com (NA) / info@nuclearblast.de (EU)

Charm The Fury
Metal band from Amsterdam. New album "The Sick, Dumb & Happy" out now via Nuclear Blast (Worldwide) / Arising Empire (Europe). Order album at http://nuclearblast.com/thecharmthefury.

Biography
THE CHARM THE FURY have matured since their debut. With several of Europe's biggest festivals under their belt, they have transformed their sound into a startling slab of ultra-modern but utterly distinctive metal that shrewdly and honestly redefines what THE CHARM THE FURY is all about. Driven by a collective distaste for the state of the world in the 21st century, the band recorded an angry album underpinned by ferocious intelligence and a heartfelt desire to wake people out of their digital stupors.

The critical moment has arrived: THE CHARM THE FURY are armed, ready and hungry for the next big push. When it explodes in 2017, the smart money is on these diehard noisemakers claiming their rightful place among the new metal elite. They have the songs, the determination and the charisma to make it happen.

Gender
Plural (mixed)

Current Location
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

General Manager
Martijn Swier

Influences
Good music and noises from hell.

Press contact
Press:
mail@nuclearblastusa.com (North America)
info@arising-empire.com (Europe)

Booking agent
North/South America: AGI, Mike.Arfin(AT)ArtistGrp.com.
Holland: MOJO, j.salfischberger(AT)mojo.nl.
ROTW: K2, SharonRichardson(AT)k2ours.com

Bullet
Bullet was a one-hit wonder American rock band. Its only hit, "White Lies, Blue Eyes", peaked at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in January 1972. Band member (keyboards, vocals) Roget Pontbriand went on to play with K.C. and the Sunshine Band and Wild Cherry. Other members included Ernie Sorrentino and Mike Micara.

An English band, once known as "Bullet", often is mistakenly given credit for the hit "White Lies, Blue Eyes". This group formed in London; it included former Atomic Rooster members John Cann (vocalist) and Paul Hammond (drummer). The English "Bullet" changed their name to Hard Stuff because of the American band named "Bullet". In the UK, "White Lies, Blue Eyes" was released on the Philips label under the name of Bullet U.S.A..