Josh Taerk Interview

Josh Taerk (pronounced Turk) was born in Toronto, Canada and raised on a healthy diet of Rock ‘N’ Roll music; Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Tom Petty & Bob Dylan just to name a few.

In 2016 Josh toured the U.S. where his latest single “Anywhere Love Took Us” was play-listed on Hot AC Commercial Radio in The U.S. and his Christmas single was play-listed on Retail Radio debuting at #10 on the Indie Top 50 charts. On tour, Josh and his band have opened for famed blues guitarist Robin Trower (Procol Harum), Kevin Costner & Modern West, Jon McLaughlin, Austin Jones amongst others; and have played shows in Nashville TN, Indianapolis, IN, Columbus, Akron and Cleveland OH, Jackson MS, Birmingham AL, El Dorado AR, Paducah and Louisville KY, Atlanta and Macon GA, Huntsville AL, Franklin TN, Midland TX, Salt Lake City UT, and Denver CO. They even headlined a show in Taerk’s hometown of Toronto this past March.

With the high energy of his live show, Josh was named one of the “Top 5 Live Acts” of 2015 by Classic Rock Magazine; and his latest album “Here’s To Change” was chosen as one of the top 25 albums of the year by Rock music writer Jason Ritchie (Classic Rock Magazine, GRTR!). In May of 2015, the title track off HTC was play-listed on over 40 radio stations throughout The UK.

Recent History: 

In October of 2010, Josh met one of his idols, Max Weinberg (Rock & Roll Hall of Famer & Drummer for Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band), in Toronto and Max gave Josh the opportunity to open for him in South Orange, New Jersey. Max calls Josh, "the most exciting new talent I have come across in years."

In April of 2011, Josh was chosen to play the Aspen Songwriters Festival hosted by John Oates (Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Hall & Oates). Josh met John and the two have been good friends ever since. Oates recorded background vocals on 2 songs off Josh’s ‘Here’s To Change’ album and also introduced Josh to producer Teddy Morgan (Guitar player & songwriter for Kevin Costner & Modern West).

Oates says of Josh, “I've enjoyed getting to know Josh & his music over the last few years…I think ‘Here’s To Change’ is his best work to date.”

Josh has had some incredible experiences touring over the past 5 years including 3 tours as key support throughout The UK (2012-2013), & 2 UK university tours as headliner (2013 & 2015). Josh was also chosen to be a part of Indie Week Canada’s 2014 Band Competition making it to the semi-final round and securing his spot at Indie Week Europe 2015 where he played 5 shows at the festival with his band. Josh was also asked to play Canada's Walk of Fame Festival at Nathan Phillips Square in 2011, Summerfest in 2011 joining Max Weinberg onstage to pay tribute to the late Clarence Clemons of The E Street Band; & much more.

Josh Taerk is a dedicated singer / songwriter / performer who loves his craft & his fans.

Celebrating Female Rock Musicians Who AREN'T Singers

We all know the  singing goddesses of rock... Pat Benetar, Lita Ford, Anne Wilson, Amy Lee, Lizzy Hale, but who are the instrumental ladies of rock? This week Lou and Keith will attempt to answer this question  Featured Loudini Artists:    Semblant  Motorgun  Kamchatka

Semblant

http://www.semblant.com.br/

Formed in the year of 2006 in Curitiba/PR, the Brazilian band Semblant has structured itself after a few line-up changes and is considered nowadays as one of the most important band of Dark/Gothic Metal in the country, classified by the specialized media as one of the first Vampiric Metal's band in Brazil. Despite the characterizations, it is impossible to label the sound of the band, presenting an extremely heavy sound (lead by two seven-strings guitars and fast and precise drumming), besides the versatility on the vocals. With basis on their own identify and compositions, Semblant has already in five different Brazilian states promoting their songs and, continually, disseminating with extreme success their albums.

The discography consist in the first EP Behold the Real Semblant (2006, independent), the websingle Sleepless (2009, Freemind Records), the album Last Night of Mortality (2010, Freemind Records) and the brand new EP Behind The Mask (2011, Neural Machine Records), Lunarr Manifesto (2014, Shinigami Records - Brazil), Lunar Manifesto (2016, EMP Label Group - worldwide)

Current Location

Curitiba

Press contact

Shauna O'Donnell (Publicity Contact) - shauna@odonnellmediagroup.com

Thom Haezart (Label Contact) - www.emplabelgroup.com

Motorgun

http://www.motorgunband.com

By Joe Romagnola (Grooveyard Records)

Outstanding debut studio disc by this mega-awesome heavy guitar power trio from Brazil featuring 10 tracks (57 mins.) of brain-damaging, killer, powerful, dynamic, blues-based, hard/heavy rock riffage that lands monumental. The "Self-Titled" disc by Motorgun kicks serious ass, landing supreme & authentic with Classic, timeless, heavy rock excellence. 

Motorgun are an amazing heavy rock riff:machine who give the term "Power Trio" new meaning. Combining strong songs, awesome vocals and killer riffage with impressive musicianship, Motorgun have landed with strength & power on their excellent debut disc and have given us hope & faith that real heavy rock is still alive. Fronted by the insanely talented Bebeto Daroz on guitar & vocals, "The Man" is a true bad-ass riff:master of world-class magnitude who also nails down killer, serious legit lead guitar solos that speak the six string language of the guitar hero greats. Our #1 good, heavy, riff-rockin', ass kickin', guitar slingin' Motorgun Brother Bebeto Daroz also handles the vocals and delivers excellent, stand-out, vox with power and melody. Motorgun also features Edinho on low end bottom kool bass and Leo Mello on thunderous drums. Both Edhino and Leo Mello are killer musicians in their own right who both combine their excellent musical talents to nail down the kick-ass, powerful Motorgun sound. For Those About to Rock with Motorgun, We Salute You. 

The Motorgun: "Self-Titled" disc is an essential, impressive heavy rock slab of monstrous proportions that is Highly recommended to fans of Black Sabbath, Ozzy, Randy Rhoads, Zakk Wylde, Soundgarden and all other Classic hard/heavy guitar rock bands from the 70s to current times. An Epic, modern day heavy rocker that stands tall, shines brightly and sets new standards for bad-ass power trio greatness. 

Kamchatka

http://kamchatka.se/

Growing up in Varberg,

a small town on the west coast of Sweden,

Roger, Thomas and Tobias were all rehearsing at the same place,

though in different bands,

exept for the occasional weekend jamsession.

In their mid teens, Roger and Thomas moved

to pursue their musical carreer elsewhere,

Roger to the east and Thomas to the north,

while Tobias continued his back home.

Some learnful years of touring and recording albums

with all kinds of different acts later,

they met up again in Varberg for a

Jimi Hendrix tribute concert in 2001,

and after a successful performance the guys simply

came to the conclusion that they should start a band.

Roger came up with the name Kamchatka,

and the band was formed.

A few years later, after saving up enough money,

they decided to record an album in their own studio

(which has been developing ever since),

with the help of an old friend of Roger's,

Nicholas Elgstrand, who recorded,

mixed and produced it together with the band.

Bullen & Sillen, friends of the band, mastered it

at Studio Mega in Valinge, just outside of Varberg.

An old friend of Thomas', Per Wiberg,

who also designed the album cover,

hooked them up with a New York based indie label

called Grooveyard Records,

where the first Kamchatka album was released January 1st 2005.

After about a year of an occasional gig here and there,

which were all well recieved, the guys started to get restless,

so they decided to record another album,

subsequently known as "Volume II",

this time recording it themselves on an eight-track,

Tobias bringing the technichal expertise.

Once again they called in Nicholas to help mix and produce,

but this time mastered it themselves,

lending the gear from Jonas Eckerström,

another old friend of the band,

mainly with Tobias behind the controls.

Per, again, standing for the artwork.

It was released on Grooveyard Records in January 2007.

After yet another year of an occasional gig here and there

(there is a serious lack of venues to play at in sweden),

they had started recording their third album

when the American rockband Clutch,

whom they had opened a few gigs for in Sweden in 2007,

invited Kamchatka to open for them on their US-tour,

which gave the guys their first opportunity to proove themselves

to the American audience. After 21 successful performances

they returned back home to complete "Volume III",

Tobias standing for the technical expertise,

and Per Wiberg adding his magic,

this time both with beautiful keyboards,and magnificent artwork.

It was mastered by Johan Eckerblad at Mintelligence Studios and

released on Swedish label Superpuma Records

at the beginning of March, 2009.

In November 2009 Kamchatka were once again invited by Clutch to open for them,

this time on a month long tour of 23 gigs throughout western Europe.

2010 Kamchatka first and foremost focused on the writing of their fourth album.

It was recorded and mixed in their very own Shrimpmonkey Studios,

once again mainly with Tobias behind the controls,

during the winter and spring of 2010/2111,

and mastered by Johan Eckerblad at Mintelligence Studios.

Like on the previous albums, the cover art is the work of Per Wiberg,

who also appears on keyboards on one of the songs.

The album was released September 5th on GMR.

Current Location

Varberg/Sweden

Influences

many

Press contact

info@despotz.se

info@kamchatka.se

Booking agent

Germany, Switzerland & Austria: buchmann@jazzhausbooking.com

Benelux SOZ Concerts

Contact: arjen@sozconcerts.nl

For booking inquiries regarding other territories, please use the general info contact: info@kamchatka.se

Reference:   

http://www.female-musician.com/famous-female-musicians.html

http://www.guitarplayer.com/artists/1013/50-sensational-female-guitarists/62327

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_female_drummers

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_female_bass_guitarists

http://www.listal.com/list/female-sax-players  

Loudini Interviews Mike Cykoski of A is For Atom 2

Mike Cykoski, the man behind the arty, literate indie-pop project A Is for Atom, has had a distinguished career in the music business so far, but a few transformative events drastically altered his path. Now, he welcomes a new era of creativity with a bold new electronic recorded and live performance aesthetic.

“It feels like this is the beginning for me,” affirms the New York City-based artist. “I have so much freedom creatively. I can write different types of songs, and release them on my own terms.”

Mike Cykoski has always been a fearless composer, drawing inspiration from time honored pop-rock song craft, literature, classical and avant-garde music to create a signature aesthetic that’s moving, adventurous and accessible. He studied formally at NYU, earning a master’s degree in Music Technology, as well as Juilliard, and the experimental music center Harvest Works and DJ music school Dubspot. His most recent EP, Song for You, garnered him prime visibility in the press and onstage. Mike has performed nationally and internationally, live highlights include shows in Ireland, Mexico City, Toronto, for NXNE and Canadian Music Week, and shows in New York City and Austin.

As a composer, Mike has always been intrepid about his creativity. His new material embraces technology into his repertoire like never before. Here he uses drum machines to conjure the rugged grooves in EDM and hip-hop’s beloved 808 beats. He crafts his compositions with bold synthetic soundscapes using a DJ’s artistic arsenal bring to life his compositions.

The moniker Mike chose for his music, A Is for Atom, is pliable aesthetically and conceptually to this fresh creative chapter. The name was pinched from a 1953 animated promotional short for General Electric. “There are a few layers to the name. For one, it references the 1950s documentary and its message of technology improving our lives. Secondly, it conjures the symbolism of atomic culture as doomsday. Three, it conveys a feeling of profound progression—change at the atomic level—that’s perfect for how I’ve moved onto a different creative model and release paradigm,” Mike explains.

Mike’s epiphany came when his friend, a live soundman, invited him to check out some electronic acts. “These artists had guitars, computers, and their voice, and, witnessing that opened so many creative doors. It made me feel like I could finally produce what I heard in my head,” he says. “Sitting down with the recording program Ableton, it felt like being a sculptor looking at a marble chunk and seeing all the possibilities.”

Mike is currently writing a collection of new music and releasing a new EP in collaboration with up-and-coming producer Carey Clayton (Emily Thomas, Ian Abel, Mary Akpa, Stephanie Rivers--Guitar Player-Great Good Fine Ok and David Wax Museum). Mike is experimenting with poppy dance ideas, electronic compositions inspired by classic rock, and he’s even trying out an electronic crooner track. Mike’s first singles will be available through the standard digital service outlets in June and July and released as a new EP in September. “It’s a better way to release music, for me. I can create freely without having to come up with a similar sounding body of work,” he says.

Mike’s first single will be “No Signal” a song with a driving and hypnotic beat and ferocious vocal duet featuring (Mike and) New York City singer Clara Lofaro about the disconnect between intention and emotion in our modern world. The next single “Rainbows” has an expressive electronic beat with an alluring baritone vocal performance featuring a multi-textured bridge and chorus. The song weaves in and out of fast and slow beats and delves into a call for freedom of emotional expression that waits at the end of a figurative rainbow.

Thinking ahead, Mike says: “Initially, I was a little scared to take a chance and follow this fresh direction. As I began moving forward and learned a new model, so much became possible and I’m so excited.” He pauses pensively before saying conclusively.

Are There Any TRUE Guitar Heroes Today

From the late 1960's through most of 1990's guitarists ruled rock music. They were usually as well known as the lead vocalists and pop artists of their day. They also inspired the next generation to pick up an "axe" and throw their hat in the rock and roll ring. We all know the greats, Hendrix, Clapton, Van Halen, Zakk and Slash, but who are the current guitar gods? Who are the guitarist from today who are inspiring the next generation of axe slingers? Are there any? Today Lou and Keith attempt to answer this question.  Featured Loudini Artists:   Diamante  Islander  Sky Valley Mistress

Diamante

Enter Diamante. With iridescent sapphire hair, a show-stopping voice, runway-ready fashion swagger, and an empowering message, the Boston-raised and Los Angeles-based Mexican-Italian-American sonic heroine brings a new (and blue) fire to rock and alternative music. Serendipitously, her name might as well have pre-destined a future in the spotlight…

“In Spanish, Diamante means ‘Diamond,’ and my middle name Azzura means ‘Blue’ in Italian,” she explains. “If I was a color, I would be blue. I love it, because it’s bold, ethereal, and everything I am.”

Born to an Italian dad and Mexican mom in a Boston suburb, she always stood out. Interchangeably speaking three languages—Italian, Spanish, and English—she found inspiration in words, penning poetry and short stories at a young age inspired by J.K. Rowling and Stephen King. Drawn to musical theater, the budding performer starred in school productions of The Little Mermaid, Grease, and more before relocating to L.A. with her family at 13. Already a fan of Kelly Clarkson and Avril Lavigne, her discovery of rock music via a School of Rock summer program ignited a dormant passion.

“Being on stage and singing rock was the way I broke out of my shell and was able to realize who I am and the full potential I have,” she admits. “From there, I really connected to the women of the eighties like Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, and Debbie Harry. I thought they were so cool, iconic, and badass. That’s how I wanted to be.”

Diamante spent the next few years quietly cutting her teeth at local gigs on the Sunset Strip as a singular musical vision came into focus. A disciple of both P!nk and Guns N’ Roses who doesn’t fall into rockstar excess or even sport tattoos, she devoted every waking minute to honing a signature “classic rock sound with a modern alternative edge.” This unique and undeniable approach caught the attention of Eleven Seven Music Group and Better Noise Records who signed her in 2015. Amassing a bevy of ideas, she hit the studio with super producer Howard Benson `{`My Chemical Romance, Chris Cornell, Halestorm, Kelly Clarkson`}` to record what would become her full-length debut, Coming In Hot. “Diamante is the only true heir to the female rock throne that has been vacant since Joan Jett’s heyday,” says Howard Benson.

“Howard really pushed me to be vulnerable and talk about things I was afraid to talk about,” she goes on. “I finally got the courage to be honest with my lyrics and myself. I want to be someone girls and guys growing up can relate to.”

Her single “Coming In Hot”—out June 16, 2017—seesaws between an arena-filling chant and a robust and raucous riff. At the center, she confidently serves up the knockout refrain, “Whether you’re ready or not, I’m coming in hot!”

“It’s essentially a super fun weekend summer anthem,” she smiles. “I picture people leaving their day jobs in the car on a Friday, cranking this, and getting ready to go nuts on the weekend. It’s also a metaphor for me coming in hot into the industry. I want to bring this style back and take over rock.”

In the end, rock ‘n’ roll has never sounded, looked, or felt like Diamante on Coming In Hot.

She leaves off, “When people hear this, I’d like for them to think, ‘Oh my God, rock is not dead. This girl is bringing it back’—whether they’re ready or not…”

Islander

It has been quite a journey for ISLANDER, who, in just over a year, have gone from obscurity to a band in constant radio rotation. Fueled with a combination of emotionally capturing songs and audience grabbing live shows, ISLANDER continue to lead at the forefront of their peers. 

ISLANDER have stayed busy, constantly touring with bands such as Korn, Papa Roach, P.O.D., Suicide Silence, Seether, Nothing More and many others. Catch their energetic live show in a city near you!

"These guys just might be the new force in heavy rock"

- Alternative Press

“New school band with old school soul and passion. Keep your eyes and ears open for these guys!” – Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D

“Creativity gets an A+.” – H.R. of BAD BRAINS

General Manager

Jerry Clubb: Ricochet Management - Jerry@ricochetmgmt.com

Press contact

Tom Wojcik: tom@victoryrecords.com

Booking agent

Booking: Andrew Goodfriend at TKO Booking – AndrewGoodfriend@tkoco.com Europe: Marco Walzel at Avocado Booking – marco@avocado-booking.com

Band Members

Mikey Carvajal - Vocals 

Chris Carvajal - Keyboard

Eric Pedersen- Guitar 

David Sharpe - Bass 

Andrew Fleming- Drums

Hometown

Greenville, SC

Sky Valley Mistress

We're the best thing you've never heard.

Popped Music - "A brash and bold outfit sounding like PJ Harvey fronting Lenny Kravitz’s backing band."

The Blues Magazine - “SKY VALLEY MISTRESS mean business as they come swaggering out of 

Blackburn to set hips shaking and pulses racing with a blend of dirty blues and 

raw rock and roll”. 

TeamRock - "Fronted by the formidable Kayley 'Hell Kitten' Davies, the quartet take their musical cues from Zeppelin, Sabbath and the meanest, low-down urban blues, to deliver bruising rock 'n' roll thrills."

Rhythm Magazine - "...Their sound remains defiantly stripped down, fuzzy and dirtier than a ghetto dumpster."

Filtered Magazine - "They show their generation the way that rock and roll should be done."

Manchester Rocks - "Sky Valley Mistress are a cacophony of rock n’ roll excellence."

Louder Than War - "Sky Valley Mistress are a force to be reckoned with."

God Is In The TV Zine - "Their passion for loud old school rock’n’roll is oozing from every pore. A must for any Led Zeppelin enthusiast or a QOTSA fan."

Quenched Music - "Bands like Sky Valley Mistress are a rare breed and should be celebrated."”

Press contact

Matt Reynolds - matt@savagegringo.com

Booking agent

info@skyvalleymistress.com

The Top 5 Most Quotable Movies of All Time

"Don't call me Shirley." You can't handle the truth!" "Go ahead; my day..." There are literally hundreds of quotable lines from movies, but which movies are the most quotable and most quoted of all time? That's the topic for this week's Loudini Hard Rock and Metal Circus. As always, Lou and Keith will also play some KILLER hard rock and metal by the best indie artists out there.  Featured Loudini Artists:   Firewind  Lionize  Butcher Babies

Firewind

Time to wake the sleeping giant...

It’s been four years since Firewind released their critically acclaimed seventh album ‘Few Against Many’ but in that time the band and it’s various members have all been extremely busy. Main man Gus G. has released not one, but two solo albums, toured in support of both of them and hit the road once again with the ‘Prince of Darkness’, Ozzy Osbourne. His fellow Firewind band mates have also been far from idle too; but despite the prolonged break in activities Firewind was always going to return and 2016 will see the band back and blasting on all cylinders!

The band will return with live activities and a new singer. Henning Basse, a long time friend and collaborator of Gus’ is the man trusted to bring Firewind back to the masses. His rich, classic rock referencing vocals are the perfect foil for the wealth of material the band have been working on and he brings a reinvigorated power to the band.

Firewind return with a string of dates throughout 2016 as they prepare their brand new studio album.

Influences

Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Scorpions, Dream Theater, Gary Moore, Metallica and many more!

Press contact

Nasrin Vahdani (Europe / Rest of the World) | nasrin.vahdani@centurymedia.de

Booking agent

(Europe, Asia): LuckyBob Music Management: lucky@luckybob.de

(Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria inquiries only): Elias Aravidis elias_aravidis@yahoo.com... See More

Lionize

Washington D.C. is chiefly considered for its political climate. It’s easy to forget that this city has spawned some of the most diverse, fiery sounds in modern music. It’s a cornerstone in a region that’s integrated rock, hardcore punk, reggae and more through the likes of Bad Brains, Fugazi and Clutch, and where Latin and funk fused to form the vibrant sound of go-go music. And in its suburbs, four guys – aka Lionize – have been stirring up this heavy, colorful cocktail with a profoundly creative approach, an arsenal of tasty, bluesy hooks and a tone of sci-fi-infused lyrics. 

Over the years, Lionize have cultivated a unique blend of funky riffs, cyborg tales and soulful rock sensibilities. From the beginning, with 2005’s Danger My Dear, they were pushing boundaries. In 2008 they recorded second album, Space Pope And The Glass Machine, at Harry J Studios in Jamaica – where Bob Marley made several records. By the time the propulsive Jetpack Soundtrack was released (in 2014) they’d streamlined all this experience into an original, more-ish rock whole. Now, with their new LP, Nuclear Soul they’re raising the bar again with their most fearless, expansive-sounding songs yet. 

As singer/guitarist Nate Bergman tells us: “It [the music] has elements of bands like Clutch and Deep Purple, but its not quite that – it’s something all it’s own. I think the beauty of the band right now is that all these elements touch on something familiar, but also sound new.”

The Lionize story begins in Silver Spring, Maryland, where Bergman, keyboardist Chris Brooks and bassist Henry ‘Hank’ Upton met as teenagers in middle school. By high school they’d become firm friends, bonding over a shared appreciation of their local music scene, as well as a healthy dose of classic staples from Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones, to Parliament and Motown. In 2004 they formed Lionize, completed by drummer Chase Lapp in 2013. 

Along the way, they’ve enthralled audiences at festivals including Red Rocks and Desert Fest, and on tour with The Wailers, Clutch and others. Support slots with Bad Brains and Steel Pulse also earned them kudos as a ‘reggae rock' group – as did their stint with dub/reggae icon Lee Scratch Pretty. In truth, however, Lionize were always about much more than that. Now, signed to New York’s The End Records, the band are taking a fresh look at their sound. Cut at the Magpie Cage studio and The Lion’s Den, MD, the new album was co-produced with the band by J.Robbins and (Clutch drummer) Jean Paul Gaster. No tricks – just a liberated, highly driven set of tunes.

In writing and road testing the album the band aimed to redefine what it means to be a classic sounding rock’n’roll band. Thematically, they also harnessed the present political climate to powerful effect. Opener Darkest Timeline is at once fiercely groovy and evocative of social disenchantment, while Blindness To Danger closes the album with a propulsive bang. Tracks like Power Grid Blues evoke a turbocharged Deep Purple, if they’d spent time in soul bands. Fire In Athena starts softly before growing into an emotive call to arms. And Ain’t It A Shame stirs blues, reggae hints and Santana-esque guitar into one passionate declaration. Familiar but new, as Bergman says.

“We had no rules or ideals,” he continues. “We just wanted to take people on a musical journey that excited them, and showed how emotionally moving the band could be.”

Ultimately this is Lionize at their most arena-ready – without compromising on soul, sass or substance. It’s that wonderful space where vintage style and contemporary fire collide.

(Written by: Polly Glass)

Current Location

Montgomery County, MD

General Manager

Management@Lionizemusic.com

Influences

Thin Lizzy, Clutch,Steel Pulse,The Bakerton Group,The Heptones, Deep Purple, Bob Marley and the Wailers, Capleton, Bad Brains,Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Led Ze... See More

Press contact

USA: leo@theendrecords.com / UK: kirsten@cosanostrapr.com

Booking agent

United Talent Agency World Wide

North America: Tim.Borror@unitedtalent.com

UK/EU: Ben.Ward@untitedtalent.com

Butcher Babies

Hailing from the City Of Angels, BUTCHER BABIES offer redemption from the overplayed underground, exorcising demons with a visceral sound matched only in scope by their explosive stage show. 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 anguish and hope for redemption. 

The band signed a worldwide deal with Century Media Records in December 2012, and a month later hit the road with Marilyn Manson on what proved to be one of the new year's most talked about tours. Less than a year later, July 2013, they released their debut album GOLIATH, produced by Josh Wilbur (Gojira, Lamb of God, Hatebreed). Since then, Butcher Babies have toured relentlessly among the likes of Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, Danzig, In This Moment, Cradle of Filth, Black Label Society, etc; played music fests including Mayhem, Knotfest, Louder Than Life, Aftershock, and Welcome to Rockville, etc. and appeared in the film Alleluia! : The Devil’s Carnival. 

On August 21, 2015 Butcher Babies released their highly anticipated follow up, TAKE IT LIKE A MAN and released a music video for each song on the album. Carla Harvey said: "The majority of the album is very aggressive thrash metal. On this album, we wanted to go back to our roots, which were aggressive thrash, and ninety percent of the album is that.” Added co-vocalist Heidi Shepherd: "But the thing is we're not ever gonna sacrifice who we are for that. What we're attempting with this is to bring back the metal and the aggression into radio. So we kind of… We merged the two worlds. And radio stations who have heard it so far are impressed and we're very excited for that.”

Current Location

LOS ANGELES

General Manager

Anger MGMT - kreese@sgeworldwide.com

Influences

HEAVY FUCKIN METAL

Press contact

George Vallee - george@concretemktg.com

Booking agent

US - Justin Hirschman for AGI

Justin.Hirschman@ArtistGrp.com

UK/Europe Dan DeVita for TKO

dandevita@tkoco.com

Loudini Interviews Cale Bonderman of Cale and The Gravity Well

Cale and the Gravity Well formed in late 2015, mostly as the result of a joke. Cale's sister Zoe had earlier opined that she was thinking of starting a record label, and Cale, with all the certainty of the skeptical, declared that he would join it. His first album, the Age of Envy, was released not even a year later, in May 2015.

DC based rock band Lionize acted as producer for the album, and as such has heavy rock influences, but the Age of Envy also contains elements of folk and indie. Cale points to such influences as the Fleet Foxes, Doc Watson, the Black Keys, and Shakey Graves, all of which combine into a sound that is all his own. Since then he has had tour dates across America, including a performance at the first annual Bonanza Campout in Heber City, Utah. 

Cale resides in New York city, where he is simultaneously trying to learn the fiddle and the banjo, and playing open mics regularly. Musical ideas will grip him like a vice and, for a week or so, turn him into a man possessed, haunting his bedroom, huddled around his condenser mic, whispering strange and manic incantations into a passive metal ear. Usually, this turns out ok, but if you should ever see a wild-eyed, curly haired lunatic dressed in a superman shirt and harem pants belting sea chanties at the top of his lungs, please return him to Made in the Shade Records in Colorado. They will know what to do.

Tin Can Fish Band Interview

Tin Can Fish Band started as the duo TinFish in 2006, with Steve and long time friend, Colonial Williamsburg tavern musician and all around stringed instrument maestro, Doug Austin. While primarily performing original songs, TCFB draws from a wide variety of material and songwriters ranging from public domain and Bluegrass to classic pop, Americana and World music. 

Doug and Steve have performed for several years throughout the southeast and collaborated on several studio projects including "Broken Land Parkway" and "Nothing But Hope". Doug is a much sought after string player in central Virginia and also plays in the Runaway String Band and Blue Line Highway. 

Drummer and Hand percussion player Jack Taggart  (ILLbillys and  The Lost Souls) and Circuit Rider/ Single Bullet Theory bassist and long time musical cohort Keith MacPhee combined with TinFish to form TIN CAN FISH BAND in 2012. Veteran Richmond guitar favorite John Leedes joined TCFB in November 2013  followed by Joe Conner on Accordion and keys in 2014. Together they  filled out the bands sound with soaring electric leads and intricate layering interwoven with Doug's mando and fiddle giving Tin Can Fish Band its unique acoustic and electric blend.  

Doug Austin (mandolin, fiddle,and vocals) is a native Virginian.  Raised in Williamsburg, VA, he spent part of his early years singing in the boys choir at Bruton Parish Church, which exposed him to lots of Bach, Handel, and early baroque music. Playing guitar throughout his teens, and listening to classic rock, he discovered live Bluegrass music in the parking lot of a mall.  This changed everything. Soon after, following a diving accident resulting in three cervical fractures, Doug picked up the mandolin which became his constant companion during his long recovery. A couple of years later, he took his mandolin chops into the Richmond based bluegrass band Virginia Rail. 

Playing informally for many years, while supporting himself with various day jobs, he took the plunge in 1999, becoming a contract performer  for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. To this day  he plays 18th century music in the various taverns and for special events throughout the museum.  One of his more unusual gigs involved providing  music for a tea hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.  Secret Service snipers in the surrounding trees and buildings made this a memorable, if slightly unnerving performance.

Doug has performed and recorded with various singer/song writers including Steve Fisher and Karen Trump.  

He is a founding member of SOY HERO ,  the Williamsburg based  RUNAWAY STRING BAND, and the Richmond celtic/americana band, TINKERS DAM. He is an active member of the  RVA group BLUE LINE HIGHWAY.

Doug has lived for the last 23 years in an old house on rolling farmland in King and Queen County, raising crops, a family, and enjoying the countryside when not on the road for a gig. An early musical mentor once told him "whenever possible, play with musicians who are better than you".  He took these words to heart, and has had the good fortune to play with many fine musicians like his fellow band mates in TIN CAN FISH BAND. 

Steve Fisher ( lead vocals and acoustic guitar) has been talking back to the television since he was a kid sitting on the floor of his grandmother's house in Tuskeegee, Alabama. While still a youngun', Steve and his brother were shuttled around the South between parents living in small towns, hotels and boarding houses. He picked up the guitar as a teenager in Richmond, Virginia and began writing songs soon thereafter. 

Steve's acoustic folk rock manifests a touch of irony and sarcasm while championing the underdog. His poetic style expresses his keen interest in southern americana and he enjoys finding humor in the absurd and struggle of everyday life. He has been writing and performing his songs both solo and in bands since his days at the University of Virginia. Steve has toured the East Coast and Europe playing his songs and has been in groups based in New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Grayton Beach Florida and currently calls Richmond, Virginia home. He has opened for a wide variety of bands including Natalie Merchant and Ten Thousand Maniacs, Modern English, The Dickies, The Slickie Boys, REO Speed Wagon, and Fog Hat.  Steve was cofounder of the band Ten Ten/ Chrysalis UK and more recently The Circuit Riders/Planetary Records with TCFB bassist Keith Macphee.

Steve was presented the Virginia Organization of Composers and Lyricists (V.O.C.A.L.) Lyricist of the Year Award and the Recording Artist of the Year Award for his original songs featured on the CD, Richmond Local 641. Several of his songs were featured on the first two Floating Folk Festival CDs released by Planetary Records. He also spearheaded the release of two CDs, Deed of Trust and Sun Moon Mule with his band The Circuit Riders. Steve released his first solo album in 2006, Broken Land Parkway, recorded live in studio with Doug Austin and chosen as pick of the month by the Chicago based site BuzzFlash.com in July, 2006. Several of Steve's songs have received extensive airplay in the U.S. and Europe.

After 2 years of work in studios in Virginia and Northwest Florida, Steve's most recent project, Nothing But Hope, was released on Playground Records located in Valparaiso, Florida. Combining various acoustic and electric elements from genres as diverse as bluegrass, folk rock, and zydeco, Tin Can Fish Band can now be heard playing these songs as well

as many others from the band's shared catalogue. Steve 's song catalogue and publishing is with BMI/TinFish.  

Jack Taggart  (drums and percussion) was born in Richmond and spent time in Orlando and Dallas before coming full circle back to Richmond. Jack first crafted his musical expression by way of guitar and singing as a usual suspect at local open mic nights during his college years in Southwest Virginia. In 2002 Jack found himself sitting behind a scaled down drum kit keeping beats in Richmond for what became known as the cover band “The Illbillys” where he occupied the drums for just over 13 years .  While writing and recording some solo efforts known as “Neon Strobe Union”, Jack also became part of  “The Lost Souls” in 2009 and they put out an EP called “Bar Flies” before the project dis-banded. Jack also played gigs with “Luz Del Sol”, formed from a singer songwriter husband & wife team affiliated with Richmond’s own Alt-Country Dirt Rock band the Atkinson’s. 

It was through a mutual friend known as “Yoga Girl” that Jack was introduced to Steve Fisher several years ago.  

Steve approached Jack and asked him to sit in for an acoustic gig on congas that eventually graduated to full drums and sarcastic asides as he became part of the yet un-named “Tin Can Fish Band”. He’s now been with the band since its inception. He  considers himself a late comer in the Richmond music scene but thrives behind the drums and as part of the booking process for the band. Jack got to know many of Richmond’s finest musicians while booking for a local music venue and feels it was part of a growing process to better understand bands, musicians and the music community. He draws influence from all genres of music but feels the foundation of rock-n-roll, twangy country and timeless rock-a-billy are his driving force.  His  kits are from Gretsch , Pacific Drums and Percussion & Ludwig. His guitars of choice are Gretsch, Danelectro, Fender & Gibson. 

Keith Macphee (bass and vocals) was born in Oceanside, New York  and grew up in New Jersey  and upstate New York. He moved to Richmond in the late 70's and fell in with Single Bullet Theory and toured the east coast until 1981. Keith joined the Bow Ties in the early 80's and gigged around Richmond for several years. Other popular bands included Joe America 1991-94 and Grumbledog 1996-98. Big hearted Keith cofounded the Circuit Riders with Steve Fisher in 1998, lending them his soulful stage presence while recording and engineering two CD projects (Deed of Trust and Sun Moon Mule) for Planetary Records. 

Keith has been a true stalwart in the Richmond music scene for many years and continues to entertain audiences far and wide.  He and Steve have co-written several songs and have collaborated together as bandmates in the Circuit Riders and in the recording studio since 1998. Keith teamed up with Doug and Steve in the fall of 2012 for some acoustic gigs, and the full fledged Tin Can Fish Band was born in 2013 with the addition of Jack Taggart on drums and John Leedes on lead guitar. 

John Leedes (electric and acoustic guitars) moved to Richmond from Philly in 1973, just in time for first grade, and has played in many local bands since then. His first band was in middle school and played covers of The Who, The Beatles, and Kiss and also John’s first original song, “Live A Little.” The band was called Chaos but renamed The Illusion when it was learned that another band in town already had that moniker. In high school John played in a band with Dave Schools of Widespread Panic fame. That ensemble’s name is a little too vulgar to be printed here, and John still maintains he did not know the meaning of the name at the tender age of 15. 

After high school, John played everything from long spacey jams to edgy pop.  Bands included The Flipside, Swahili River Brothers, Left Exit, Ray Band and the Shades, Mr. Soul, Thelma Shook, Whistler's Mother, The Reaction, Harrison Deane Band, King Solomon’s Marbles, Squalor Hollow Boyz, Sister Sweet, Gary Gerloff, Blue Line Highway and the Bart Chucker Band. He has also has added his guitar prowess to the mix of Richmond favorites Amy Henderson, Dave Pollard, Wendy Pace, and The Trongone band. Over the years, John has been fortunate enough to share the bill with Matt Guitar Murphy, Little Feat, Rick Derringer, NRBQ, J. Geils, Melvin Seals, Donna Godchaux MacKay, and the David Nelson Band. John joined Tin Can Fish Band in November 2013.

Joe Conner (accordion and assorted keyboards)  has been playing around Richmond for many years in such noteworthy bands as King Solomon's Marbles, Blues Cats and Blue Line Highway. Man of few words - Joe is a great example of "still waters run deep" and his humble, positive vibe is much appreciated by his band mates and fans!

Joe joined TIN CAN FISH BAND in December, 2014 (just in time for the first CD project in spring of 2015). His distinctive accordion style is an important recognizable element of the TCFB sound and gives the band some funky gulf coast spice! Joe also contributed some great piano tracks to the CD and will be doing even more in the future. Thanks Joe!