Mick Signals

The Dears Announce Poster Design Contest For Fall Residencies in Toronto, Montreal and Brooklyn

The Dears may not reach every city until early next year, but fans can share in the musical magic of the fall residency dates by participating in a tour poster design contest. Fans are encouraged to submit their own design for a poster to commemorate the eight residency shows – three consecutive nights in Toronto and Montreal and two in Brooklyn (tour dates below.)

Entries will be posted on www.thedears.org, voted on by fans and the winning poster will be printed and made available at the shows in exchange for donations benefiting Montreal City Mission and War Child.

The winning designer will receive an autographed poster and a quantity of their posters to share; and a special album package from the Dears upon release of their new album in February of 2011.

Deadline to submit entries is September 6th. Design must include the following copy: The Dears, all tour dates, venues and cities (listed below,) and the corresponding charity.

Winner will be chosen by September 13. Initial submissions must be sent in lo-res file of 2MB or smaller and designed to print 11″ x 17″. Final graphics must be provided in print ready, 300 dpi, hi-res format with ¼ bleed in either Photoshop CS3 (CMYK, layered file – .psd or .tiff) or CS3 Illustrator (.ai or .eps.)

For more info about The Dears and the poster design contest, visit www.thedears.org

Residency Tour Dates:

September 29 – October 1 Montreal, QB Pop Montreal @ Santa Cruz Church
Benefiting Montreal City Mission

October 13 – 15 Toronto, ON The Garrison
Benefiting War Child

November 3 – 4 Brooklyn, NY Knitting Factory
Benefiting War Child

MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE ANNOUNCE UPCOMING DATES WITH SUICIDE SILENCE ON THE “TIME TO BLEED TOUR”

MORE DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE is pleased to announce their direct supporting position on the upcoming “Time to Bleed Tour” featuring headliners SUICIDE SILENCE, and also including TONY DANZA TAPDANCE EXTRAVAGANZA, MOLOTOV SOLUTION, and CONDUCTING FROM THE GRAVE. This series of dates is sure to be one of the fall’s most popular touring packages, so make sure to stay tuned to the MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE MySpace for more information! See below for all current dates.

MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE’S most recent release Lost Boy hit stores on June 8th, 2010! Lost Boy debuted at #156 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, and also charted at #1 in its first week on CMJ’s Most Added chart in the Loud Rock category!

MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE W/ SUICIDE SILENCE, TONY DANZA TAPDANCE EXTRAVAGANZA, MOLOTOV SOLUTION, and CONDUCTING FROM THE GRAVE
10/2 The House of Blues – Las Vegas, NV
10/3 Marquee – Phoenix, AZ
10/4 Sunshine Theatre – Albuquerque, NM
10/7 White Rabbit – San Antonio, TX
10/8 Diamond Ballroom – Oklahoma City, OK
10/9 New Daisy Theatre – Memphis, TN
10/10 Rocketown – Nashville, TN
10/11 The House of Blues – Cleveland, OH
10/13 The Trocadero – Philadelphia, PA
10/14 Town Ballroom – Buffalo, NY
10/15 The Palladium – Worcester, MA (Rock and Shock Festival)
10/16 Webster Theatre – Hartford, CT
10/17 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ
10/19 The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
10/20 The Majestic – Detroit, MI
10/21 Bogart’s – Cincinnati, OH
10/22 Pop’s – St. Louis, MO
10/23 The Bull Moose Tap House – Iowa City, IA
10/25 The Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO
10/26 The Complex – Salt Lake City, UT
10/28 Soma – San Diego, CA
10/29 The Glass House – Pomona, CA
More dates TBA

Introducing: Christopher Paul Stelling A Songwriter With a Story to Tell

“…it wasn’t until Christopher Paul Stelling performed that the final emotional wall came crashing down. As though he was reliving every emotional moment that went into the creation of each of his songs, he dug deeper than I’ve seen just about anyone, and everyone in the room was channeled into every second…” – New York Press

Watch the compelling live video of “Never Been There”

Download his track “Flawless Executioner” HERE

Catch Stelling Live on East Village Radio this Thursday, August 19th at 8pm, or at Rockwood Music Hall on
August 24th at 9pm!

Take one look at his road-worn, weathered guitar, and you know that Christopher Paul Stelling is a musician with a story to tell. With a heartfelt voice, dynamic finger-picked guitar stylings, and a songwriting approach that combines folkloric, mythological, and religious imagery, Stelling has forged a style that is all his own, yet hauntingly familiar. Think along the lines of John Fahey, Tom Waits, and Skip James.

Stelling has a busy few weeks ahead- this Thursday, August 19th, he’ll be appearing on East Village Radio’s newest show, Belly of the Beast at 8pm, and next Tuesday, August 24th, you can catch his signature blend of hellfire gospel at New York’s Rockwood Music Hall at 9pm, right after Hoots & Hellmouth.

Stelling has managed to revive a sense of musical storytelling and mastery over his instrument that was thought to be long since forgotten, especially in the modern era. His songs evoke everything from delicate fragility to blistering ferocity- those who witness his live shows are often left in disbelief, and wanting more.

Over the past decade, Stelling has traversed the country exploring the roots of American music. Originally hailing from Daytona Beach, he’s since hopped from Boulder to Boston, Orlando to Asheville and everywhere in-between, until deciding to call Brooklyn home.

Keep an ear out for new tour dates and a full-length album from Christopher Paul Stelling in 2011!

Upcoming Tour Dates

August 19th – New York, NY – East Village Radio (interview + performance)
August 24th – New York, NY – Rockwood Music Hall
August 28th – Brooklyn, NY – Goodbye Blue Monday
September 4th – Butler, PA – Associated Artists of Butler County
October 3rd – Brooklyn, NY – The Rock Shop

THE MAINE HIT THE ROAD WITH NEVER SHOUT NEVER THIS FALL MAJOR LABEL DEBUT ‘BLACK & WHITE’ OUT NOW

Burbank, CA – Sire/Action Theory Record’s artist, The Maine, will be supporting Never Shout Never, on a nationwide tour this fall. The dates, which also feature “I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody’s Business”, kicks off October 19th in Seattle, WA and runs through November 27th in Chicago, IL. The band is currently out on their first-ever headlining tour, “An Evening with The Maine”, presented by Alternative Press magazine.

The Phoenix five-piece is touring in support of their major label debut Black & White, which was released on July 13, 2010. The Howard Benson-produced Black & White is the acclaimed follow-up to their 2008 Fearless Records release Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop. Rolling Stone named the band one of “Bamboozle’s Five Breakout Bands to Watch”, and Alternative Press, which the band recently graced the cover of, declared them, “The new face of American pop.”

The Maine has been writing and recording and touring nonstop since they were barely out of high school. Their songs have garnered a collective 77 million plays on MySpace and they have sold 156k albums, 768k digital singles and racked up 2 million views on YouTube. They have been a part of four consecutive sold out tours and spent last summer as a marquee artist on the entire length of the 2009 Van’s Warped Tour.

New songs “Inside of You” and “Growing Up” off Black & White are available now at iTunes and all DSPs, and the video for “Inside of You” recently premiered on MTV. Fans purchasing Black & White through iTunes will receive a bonus two-song live performance video entitled “The AP Sessions.”

Tickets for The Maine’s tour with Never Shout Never go on sale August 20th. For more information please visit www.wearethemaine.net or www.myspace.com/themaine.

The Maine Headlining Tour Dates:

Aug 17, 2010 – Warehouse Live – Houston, TX
Aug 18, 2010 – Emo’s –Austin, TX
Aug 20, 2010 – The Rock – Tucson, AZ
Aug 21, 2010 – Soma – San Diego, CA
Aug 22, 2010 – House of Blues – Anaheim, CA
Aug 24, 2010 – House of Blues, Los Angeles, CA
Aug 27, 2010 – Nile Theatre – Mesa, AZ

The Maine Tour Dates with Never Shout Never:

10/19 Seattle, WA The Showbox @ The Market
10/20 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom
10/22 San Francisco, CA The Grand Ballroom @ The Regency
10/23 Anaheim, CA House of Blues
10/24 San Diego, CA House of Blues
10/26 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern
10/28 Tempe, AZ Marquee Theatre
10/30 Austin, TX La Zona Rosa
10/31 Tulsa, OK Cain’s Ballroom
11/02 Houston, TX House of Blues
11/03 Dallas, TX House of Blues
11/05 Orlando, FL House of Blues Orlando
11/06 Tampa, FL The Ritz
11/07 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Revolution
11/09 Atlanta, GA Center Stage
11/10 Raleigh, NC Lincoln Theatre
11/11 Richmond, VA The National
11/12 Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live
11/13 Philadelphia, PA Theatre of the Living Arts
11/14 Philadelphia, PA Theatre of the Living Arts
11/16 Hartford, CT Webster Theatre
11/17 Boston, MA House of Blues
11/18 New York, NY Nokia Theatre Times Square
11/19 Asbury Park, NJ Paramount Theatre
11/20 Allentown, PA Crocodile Rock Café
11/21 Pittsburgh, PA Club Zoo
11/23 Cleveland, OH House of Blues Cleveland
11/24 Pontiac, MI Clutch Cargo’s
11/26 Milwaukee, WI The Rave
11/27 Chicago, IL House of Blue

THE 1900s’ RETURN OF THE CENTURY SET FOR RELEASE ON NOVEMBER 2ND ON PARASOL RECORDS

After parting ways with two founding members and shelving the Fleetwood Mac-esque romantic drama, Chicago pop band The 1900s spent the years since their 2007 debut, Cold & Kind, updating their line-up and trademark sound. Now a sleek 6-piece, The 1900s is singer/guitarist Edward Anderson, vocalist Caroline Donovan, singer Jeanine O’Toole, bassist Charlie Ransford, and violinist Andra Kulans.

For the recording of their second full-length, Return of the Century, The 1900s step away from the grand orchestration and retro obsessions of their previous work and expand on the pop elements – sublime vocal arrangements and more powerful vocal performances, catchy guitars, and lockstep rhythms – while blending artfully finessed home recordings with the pristine quality of high-end recording studios, including Soma and Clava in Chicago. Drummers Graeme Gibson (Disappears) and Josh Johannpeter (Mahjongg, Lazer Crystal) and producer/arranger Benjamin Balcom also help lead the band into new territory.

The dual perspectives provided by alternating three lead singers throughout the album present a subtle narrative, guiding listeners through Return of The Century. The album is loosely inspired by the mysterious story of the Incredible String Band’s Christina ‘Licorice’ McKechnie — the prevailing theme regards a Woman (the “Kidnap Runaway”) who leaves Her home and Her dude for strange and troubling adventures in the desert. This vision was further enhanced when Edward and Caroline spent the spring traveling through the Southwestern deserts, including a visit to a polygamist compound in Colorado City, AZ. Though the album deals with a lot of strange issues – free will, cult compounds and the loss of self, among others – The 1900s tackle their typically steamy themes with humor and grace

In addition to releasing an album and two EPs with Parasol Records, The 1900s have performed at Lollapalooza, and toured across America, supporting The Vaselines, Iron & Wine, Midlake, The New Pornographers, Black Mountain, Ted Leo, Belle & Sebastian’s Stevie Jackson and British Sea Power.

The 1900s’ Return of the Century is out November 2nd on Parasol. Leading up this release, The 1900s will play Lincoln Hall in Chicago on Friday, August 27th. They will tour the US this fall, as well as perform at Belle & Sebastian’s curated ATP, “Bowlie 2”, happening December 10-12 in the UK.

Return of the Century tracklisting:
1. Amulet
2. Lay A Ghost
3. Kidnap Runaway
4. Lions Fur
5. Zerkalo
6. Bmore
7. Babies
8. Overreactin’
9. Jean Demon
10. Sanzimat

“The 1900′s have a terrific EP to their credit, ‘Plume Delivery’ (Parasol), and a boatload of buzz built on live gigs. Their gorgeous multipart harmonies, swooning strings, indelible melodies and multipart psychedelic folk-rock songs suggest a cool, clear-headed update of the Zombies and Love. Yes, the future looks bright.” – Greg Kot, Chicago Tribune

“Cold & Kind is the kind of record that will capture the heart of anyone lucky enough to discover it, a glittering jewel of well-written, perfectly recorded, and heartbreakingly honest and true music…”—Tim Sendra, All Music

“This is elegant pop . . . – Jessica Suarez, Pitchfork

“A surprisingly fragile and breathtakingly beautiful sound. . . a fresh, hook- and harmony-laden take on ’60s influences . . . ” – Jim DeRogatis, Chicago Sun-Times

“Even if you’ve been following their steady evolution into a beautiful machine for the delivery of pop bliss, even if you’ve seen them so often you can sing along with songs they haven’t recorded yet, the new album still might catch you off guard. It’s actually kind of spooky how good it is. With its wealth of unforgettable hooks and its intricate, sensitively executed arrangements, it feels like a classic on first listen . . . Chicago Reader

FREE MORAL AGENTS TO RELEASE NEW LP CONTROL THIS ON CHOCOLATE INDUSTRIES OCTOBER 12, 2010 MARS VOLTA KEYBOARDIST ANNOUNCES NEW RELEASES, COLLABORATIONS WITH CRYSTAL ANTLERS AND DAVE SITEK

Isaiah “Ikey” Owens, the Grammy winning keyboardist for arena rock stalwarts Mars Volta and occasional collaborator with Flying Lotus, Danger Mouse, Crystal Antlers, Shuggie Otis, Sublime, Mastodon, EL-P, and Saul Williams among others, has taken an extended hiatus from his main musical outlet to focus on a variety of other projects, key among them his long running group Free Moral Agents, whose new album Control This is scheduled for an October 12th, 2010 release on Chocolate Industries. Inspiringly wide in its musical scope, the album incorporates aspects of shoegaze and psychedelia to inform a whole that is as muscular as it is transcendently beautiful. Cascading electric pianos and reverbed guitars sparkle, crashing and receding in a sonic tide presided over by moody female vocals that coo the listener into a haunting cocoon of sound.

This year promises to be a busy one for Ikey. His production work on the first Crystal Antlers EP recently landed him the gig of recording their highly anticipated sophomore album. Additionally, he’s been tapped to contribute to Dave Sitek’s (TV on the Radio) side venture Maximum Balloon. If these multitudinous projects are not enough to occupy his time, Free Moral Agents are also teaming up with Afro Beat legend Tony Allen and Chicago sculpture artist Nick Cave (not to be confused with the musician/author of that same name) to deliver a limited edition 10″ which will be available exclusively on tour (details forthcoming).

Eddie Wakes – Beggar For The Blues video

The official video for Eddie Wakes’ “Beggar For The Blues” – shot in Cicada Club Of Los Angeles.

Directed by Bryan Dos Reis and Elliott Sellers.

Sietta – Silence video

The official video for Sietta’s “Silence” from their The Come Back Easy Plan album.

Directed by Vidad Narayan.

THE GAY BLADES RETURN WITH SAVAGES * OUT OCTOBER 5TH

DOWNLOAD FIRST SINGLE, “TRY TO UNDERSTAND” AT THEGAYBLADES.COM

As NME puts it…”Prepare to have your love defribulated by the raw, garagey sound of these two reprobates, with more saw-riffed swagger than a dog with two dicks and a cougar’s yowl. Clark Westerfield and Puppy Mills are bad, bad men and we love ‘em.”

New York, NY: Over the past three years, The Gay Blades have built an international following on their side-stepping demeanor, their unpredictable live shows and, of course, their unhinged manic sound. But while their fan base is still marveling at how the larger-than-life duo can fill aural spaces so completely as a two-piece, the band is ready to unveil their sophomore album, Savages, which promises to astonish both their current devotees and future fans alike. Savages is out October 5th via Triple Crown Records/ILG. Go to The Gay Blades website to download the first single, “Try To Understand,” and feel free to post the song on your website or blog as a free download. “Try To Understand” can also be downloaded directly, thegayblades.com

Since the release of their debut album, Ghosts, lead singer/guitarist James DeanWells AKA Clark Westfield and drummer Quinn English AKA Puppy Mills have experienced extraordinary life changes, which have consciously and unconsciously shaped the songs on their impressive new album. Specifically, Savages is the amalgamation of the emotions behind relentless touring, the band’s hometown of NYC and the passing of Wells’ brother Ian Savage Wells.

“This record was the next step for our band,” Wells says. “On Ghosts, we were creating with this almost adolescent air of irreverence, but with Savages we are just trying to be unfettered. We can’t worry about what this record is supposed to be, only what we want it to be – a collection of trashy rock songs that speak as much to the music we love as it does our own personal chemistry as a band.”

The Gay Blades holed up with producer Dean Baltulonis (The Hold Steady, Lissy Trullie, Goes Cube) in his Queens, NY studio, where they experimented with fuller instrumentation and live recordings. The result is an unapologetic pop record adorned with a mosaic of luscious string arrangements, boisterous horns, gorgeous harmonies and surprising synths and programming. While Savages is clearly more evolved than Ghosts, Wells has faith that it will appease his fans.

“Luckily, we don’t fit into any one scene or genre, so our fans aren’t small-minded about our sound,” he says. “One of my idols, Beck, puts out records that couldn’t be more disparate from one another, but because he consistently puts out good-sounding records, people love them all. Truthfully, though, the only thing he and I have in common is that we both look really good in a suit and can dance like a white James Brown.”

Savages is an eclectic mix of songs, which cannot be defined by any one genre, but does pay homage to artists such as the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Adam Ant, Spoon, Wilco and Weezer. “Rock N’ Roll (Part I),” the album’s emblematic opener, kicks off with scathing guitars and commanding drums, writhing in true Gay Blades fashion. The horn arrangements make their most prominent appearance on “Try To Understand,” a song about “the patience we need to love those who test our love the most,” Wells explains, adding, “it’s a monster of a song, and it might be my favorite on the record.”

The Gay Blades have toured throughout the US and Europe sharing stages with the likes of Cursive, MGMT, The Black Lips, Matt and Kim, Ra Ra Riot, Jack’s Mannequin, Juliette Lewis and Electric Six, but with all that they’ve accomplished, the band simply wants to continue creating music that will make a mark. Armed with their compelling new album, it won’t be difficult. “When we can’t identify with someone else’s lifestyle, we assume that they’re missing something intellectually and emotionally,” he reflects. “But when you assume you’re the missionary, I can guarantee someone else considers you the savage.”

Savages Track Listing:
1. Rock N’ Roll (Part I)
2. Try To Understand
3. Puppy Mills Presents
4. Mick Jagger
5. Why Winter in Detroit?
6. November Fight Song
7. Too Cool To Quit
8. Shadow’s Like A Ghost
9. Burns and Shakes
10. Wasted On The Youth
11. Every Night Is Like A Revival

Apache Beat Last Chants (October 5; Babylon/Beverly Martel Records) “Another Day” Blood Diamonds Remix MP3 Premiered on RCRD LBL

“ …dance beats we can’t get out of our head.”
– NYLON Magazine

“… summer appropriate indie/funk”
– Vogue

“ …the way (Another Day) moves from slinky to noisy is a nice surprise.”
– Stereogum

New York City’s, Apache Beat, have been championed by Pitchfork, NME, Stereogum, NYLON and countless others for the past two years and now their debut is finally upon us. The band introduced fans to new tracks from their forthcoming album alongside Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Surfer Blood, Matt & Kim and more at Siren Music Festival and now they are ready to share a brand new remix of their single “Another Day” remixed by Blood Diamonds which premiered on RCRD LBL today! You can download the MP3 on RCRD LBL HERE. We encourage you to post and share the “Another Day” Blood Diamonds remix MP3.

Last Chants, produced/mixed by Martin Bisi (Sonic Youth, Swans) and also mixed by John Agnello (The Kills, Dinosaur Jr, Sonic Youth), is a spellbinding collection of songs that are as beautiful as they are dangerous. Its relentless rhythms are off set by labyrinthine melodies to get lost in. The album features contributions from members of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Rapture, and Lightspeed Champion. Apache Beat’s forthcoming debut album, Last Chants, comes out October 5 on Babylon/Beverly Martel Records.

I want to preface this article by saying I’m not much of a lyrics guy.

I get shit for it all the time with my friends but I have my reasons.

Far too often do I get people telling me “Check out this song, the lyrics are so good.” Usually in these cases I do, only to be less than impressed. Why? Because they don’t make any sense to me.

I know that a lot of times that’s half the point. Lyrics are supposed to be subtle or open to interpretation but I, for the most part, just can’t care. I might be inclined to dig a little deeper if the song is good, but writing is never my primary incentive to listen to a song. If you think that everyone’s going to listen to your song because you have some great lyrics, you’re an idiot. Or possibly Neil Young.

So what I really like to look for in a song is an emotion. I want the singer and the rest of the band to make me feel; to make me care enough to keep listening. The inflection of the words and the way they are sung definitely play into this, but bottom line is always the sound.

That being said, every once in a while a song will get through to me and blow my mind.

Even though it’s a bit of an older track, I got back into listening to “Do The Right Thing” by band called The Dudes. Four guys from Alberta who have a great summer rock ‘n’ roll sort of sound. Their stuff is easy to pick up and listen to and it’s no surprise I fell back into the habit during some of the nicer days this month.

This song in particular is especially great in the sense that it’s a quick and catchy. An upbeat sound with some crashing guitars, a little call and answer breakdown; a solid tune all around.

And so it remained in that sense to me, until just the other day when I was showering (ladies, calm yourselves).

I always bring my iPod dock into the shower with me so I can listen to some of my favourite songs while I suds up. Naturally, “Do The Right Thing” came on and, as I am wont to do, I started singing along. Maybe it was the echo of my tiny bathroom or maybe I was just a little more enlightened that day, but I started paying attention to the lyrics bit by bit.

My bedroom’s worse than the Catholic Church
I let anyone in

And I’ve made time for girls
From every walk of life and line of work
It’s nice I’m sure
There must be something more

And that’s when I started putting the pieces together. This song that sounded so upbeat really carries the message of a torn heart. A conflicted man between his carnal habits and what he really wants.

My heart’s wide open and I sure was hoping
You could close it down

It seems I’m finding out
That loving you girl can be so frightening

Suddenly the guitars didn’t have quite the same defiant crash as they did before. Sure they’re rocking, but there’s something else to it. It’s almost like a false sense of bravado over an insecure lick.

And by the time the call and answer part came around, it was no longer just a nice breakdown but almost a pleading voice from a drowning soul.

Say my name
And I will give you anything

Kiss my face
And I will kiss yours anywhere

Love don’t go
And watch me lose control

Now maybe I’m being a little over dramatic, but to effortlessly give a song such a unified feeling in sound and lyrics shows great skill from these boys.

And, most importantly, it doesn’t use lyrics as a crutch. It’s already an excellent track that becomes even greater when the meaning is accounted for.

If all songs function by that principle maybe I’ll come around to paying more attention to the work put into words.

Check out the Dudes Myspace here.

BREATHE OWL BREATHE TO EMBARK ON FALL TOUR AND GIVE AWAY NEW MP3; MAGIC CENTRAL OUT SEPT. 28 ON HOMETAPES

Magic Central is, in fact, a place, but a mobile one. It doesn’t travel on wheels, and it’s not a houseboat. The rural Michigan cabin in which Breathe Owl Breathe live, play, wrote and recorded their first record for the Hometapes label IS Magic Central. However, it’s also the incorporeal gift this close-knit trio imparts on an audience every time they perform. They convey a sense of home and comfort, bringing the spirit of Magic Central along for the ride. Micah Middaugh, Trevor Hobbs, and Andréa Moreno-Beals embark on a journey to deliver the message this fall, as their tour takes them through the Midwest and east coast. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see and be enchanted by Breathe Owl Breathe’s Magic Central (out in tangible album form on Sept. 28th via Hometapes).

They’ve also decided to give away bit of magic now, making the lovely track “Swimming” available for download. A perfect antidote to the summer heat, Breathe Owl Breathe say what we are all thinking…

Listen to/Download “Swimming” here

BREATHE OWL BREATHE TOUR DATES:
Saturday, Sept. 4 – Holland, MI @ The Knickerbocker Theatre at Hope College
Thursday, Sept. 9 – Charlottesville, VA @ Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar w/ Sharon Van Etten, Marissa Nadler
Friday, Sept. 10 – Raleigh, NC @ Friend Island
Tuesday, Sept. 14 – Newport, KY @ The Southgate House
Wednesday, Sept. 15 – Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern
Saturday, Sept. 18 – Lake City, MI @ Harvest Gathering
Sunday, Sept. 19 – Lake City, MI @ Harvest Gathering
Wednesday, Sept. 22 – Toronto, ON @ TBD
Thursday, Sept. 23 – Buffalo, NY @ THe Ninth Ward
Friday, Sept. 24 – Winooski, VT @ Monkey House
Saturday, Sept. 25 – Northampton, MA @ Iron Horse Music Hall
Sunday, Sept. 26 – Cambridge, MA @ Club Passim
Monday, Sept. 27 – Brooklyn, NY @ The Rock Shop
Tuesday, Sept. 28 – Washington, DC @ Kennedy Center for the Perf Arts, Millennium Stage
Tuesday, Sept. 28 – Arlington, VA @ IOTA
Thursday, Sept. 30 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Garfield Artworks
Saturday, Oct. 2 – Toledo, OH @ Mickey Finn’s
Sunday, Oct. 3 – Chicago, IL @ Schuba’s
Tuesday, Oct. 5 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
Wednesday, Oct. 6 – Iowa City, IA @ The Mill
Thursday, Oct. 7 – St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway
Friday, Oct. 8 – Bloomington, IN @ Bishops
Saturday, Oct. 9 – Richmond, IN @ Earlham College
Thursday, Oct. 21 – Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern
Saturday, Oct. 23 – Portland, OR @ Woods
Thursday, Nov. 4 – Norman, OK @ Opolis

Vancouver’s Fen Create A Massive Buzz Over Latest Album, Trails Out of Gloom

Since it’s release a little over a month ago, Trails Out of Gloom has burrowed it’s way into the hearts and minds of practically all who have lent ears to the album, and Fen are slowly creeping their way into the social conscious. Fen’s ability to weave gorgeous melodies with heavy and abrasive tones while soothing the listener with subtle ambient passages have endeared themselves with fans of progressive metal and rock, alternative rock, and even the more extreme metallic movements, making their music the ultimate cross-over phenomenon. The music has been compared to Porcupine Tree, Anathema, the more ambient moments of Tool, and the softer sounds of Opeth, becoming an almost addictive listen in that most who have heard the album simply don’t want to stop. Here’s what a few have had to say:

“Fen delivers a different type of “heavy” with Trails Out of Gloom. one that is dank and opaque, with plenty of texture and substance that requires complete digestion for your optimum pleasure. This is very much a classic ’70′s Prog Rock record that contains immensely crafted songs with excellently well written lyrics that also allows for the musical interludes to not be self indulgent, but rather an integral piece of the pie. There are no 12 minute overkill pieces here, but rather 6 minute voyages into remarkableness. And remarkable this CD is. This CD will impact you immediately, but the true brilliance of Trails Out of Gloom comes from further absorption. This is a stellar release.” — Sea of Tranquility

“Each note, beat and word that Fen create all have a purpose and as a listener you will feel that. They are great at constructing and building these simple pieces together to make fantastic songs that unfold like masterful stories. Indeed this album is a grower. I liked it on the first play, but definitely like more on each play. With each play I discovered more and more reasons to enjoy Trails Out of Gloom.” — Heavy Metal Time Machine

“Trails Out of Gloom is absolutely phenomenal, even with around seven albums in my queue to review, I still don’t want to take this album out of my stereo.” — Imagine Echoes

And if all of these great words about the album isn’t cool enough, Trails Out of Gloom and the albums first single, “Find That One,” have been picked up on a number of radio stations and specialty shows, including WVBR 93.5 (NY), WKGB 92.5 (NY), WEOS 89.7 (NY), WKZQ 96.1 (SC), WCHZ 95 Rock (GA), WRN (NE), CILU 102.7 FM (ON), SRN Media Works (ON), MetalNetRadio.com, KHTR 104.3 (WA), KFEB 107.5 (MO), WJZJ 105.5 (MI), WPNH 100.1 (NH), KLHI 92.5 (HI), KOTO 105.5 (CO), WRN Network, WRIR (VA)

Finally, the lads in Fen haven’t stopped working their creative magic as Doug Harrison and Sam Levin are hammering away at the details, story boards, and set designs for a video for the track “Miracle.” Fen have enlisted the talents of the folks at Mind of a Snail Co. (www.mindofasnail.org) to create and control miniature puppets, which should add a somber and haunting effect, to help convey the story of the song. More information will become available in the near future as production begins to unfold.

www.fenmusic.ca

SCHOOL OF SEVEN BELLS ANNOUNCE RELEASE OF “HEART IS STRANGE” DIGITAL SINGLE

Indie-pop trio SCHOOL OF SEVEN BELLS are releasing a single for their track “Heart is Strange”, off their recently released sophomore album Disconnect from Desire on Vagrant Records/Ghostly International. The four track digital single will feature the UK edit of the track, as well as remixes of Disconnect from Desire tracks “Heart is Strange” by Pantha du Prince, “I L U” by Phantogram and “Dust Devil” by White Sea.

Band member Benjamin Curtis recently said of the upcoming single that “‘Heart Is Strange’, from the start, was clearly it’s own animal. It was a song we took on tour with us for most of 2009, changing it’s shape over and over again. Finally, influenced by a mind-bending night out we had dancing and listening to music after a show in Barcelona, it finally found it’s final (and best) form in early 2010. We did this shorter edit of the song after the album was finished, and probably for the first time in rock and roll history, I have to admit that I prefer the edit.”

As fervent Pantha Du Prince fans and both fans and friends of Phantogram, Ben was particularly excited for the remixes, praising White Sea’s remix as “the real stunner here…White Sea is a brand new project from Morgan Kibby, who you probably know as the star of the last M83 album ‘Saturdays=Youth’. I really can’t believe what a great job she did with this song, and I can’t wait to hear where she goes from here.”

SCHOOL OF SEVEN BELLS, formed in 2007 by Benjamin Curtis (formerly of Secret Machines) and identical twins Alejandra and Claudia Deheza (formerly of On! Air! Library!), are currently preparing for a US headlining tour in support of Disconnect from Desire, beginning in September.

“On their excellent second… School of Seven Bells update the atomic, textured sound of classic shoegaze bands like Ride and My Bloody Valentine with danceable beats, of-the-moment electronic textures and some of the prettiest, angelic vocals… in indie rock.” – Rolling Stone

“The lyrics revolve around perception and expectation, fate and few will, with the occasional blush of poetic overstatement. Now and then, though, the band unfurls a plain-spoken sentiment. There isn’t likely to be a more graceful breakup song this year than ‘I L U,’ or a more tersely affecting.” – New York Times

“Alpinisms… blended dreamy, deep-focus soundscapes with spiraling melodies sung in close harmony. On Desire, [they] rein in and smooth out those same elements, as songs like the uplifting ‘Windstorm’ and majestic ‘Joviann’ fit space-mother sing-alongs and relaxed Madchester rhythms into snappier verse-chorus structures.” – SPIN

Heart is Strange Tracklisting:
1. Heart is Strange (edit)
2. Heart is Strange (Pantha du Prince)
3. I L U (Phantogram Remix)
4. Dust Devil (White Sea Remix)

Tour dates for SCHOOL OF SEVEN BELLS:

September 9 – Brooklyn Bowl – Brooklyn, NY
September 11 – Middle East Downstairs – Cambridge, MA
September 12 – Club Metronome – Burlington, VT
September 13 – La Sala Rossa – Montreal, QB
September 15 – Mod Club – Toronto, ON
September 16 – Blind Pig – Ann Arbor, MI
September 17 – Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL
September 18 – Majestic Theatre – Madison, WI
September 19 – 7th St. Entry – Minneapolis, MN
September 20 – Blue Moose Tap House – Iowa City, IA
September 21 – Waiting Room – Omaha, NE
September 23 – Record Bar – Kansas City, MO
September 24 – Larimer Lounge – Denver, CO
September 25 – Urban Lounge – Salt Lake City, UT
September 27 – Neumos – Seattle, WA
September 28 – Biltmore Cabaret – Vancouver, BC
September 29 – Doug Fir Lounge – Portland, OR
September 30 – Independent – San Francisco, CA
October 1 – Echoplex – Los Angeles, CA
October 2 – Detroit Bar – Costa Mesa, CA
October 3 – The Loft- San Diego, CA
October 5 – Plush – Tucson, AZ
October 6 – Launchpad — Albuquerque, NM
October 8 – Hailey’s — Denton, TX
October 9 – Mohawk – Austin, TX
October 10 – Warehouse Live – Houston, TX
October 11 – Spanish Moon – Baton Rouge, LA
October 12 – Club Downunder – Tallahassee, FL
October 14 – Crowbar – Tampa, FL
October 15 – The Social – Orlando, FL
October 16 – Grand Central – Miami, FL
October 18 – The Earl – Atlanta, GA
October 19 – Local 506 – Chapel Hill, NC
October 20 – Ottobar – Baltimore, MD
October 21 – Rock and Roll Hotel – Washington, DC
October 22 – Johnny Brendas – Philadelphia, PA

The Concretes Make a Triumphant Return With WYWH, Out This November!

(Out on Friendly Fire Recordings, November 8, 2010)

Click HERE to download “Good Evening” off the album

And HERE to watch the visually stunning Album Teaser video

The Concretes – WYWH video

“What happened to The Concretes?”, people asked. Not a single new song in three years from a band that had been as reliable as a Swiss watch.

Time passed and even the band started to wonder, “What ever did happen to The Concretes?” After all, the band had practically become synonymous with ‘Swedish Indie Pop”, having released three albums (The Concretes, In Colour, and Hey Trouble) to international acclaim. Well, of course, there was a lot going on. Life, cycling, cooking, gardening, travel, children. And other side projects. Eclectic side projects. One member of the band even joined the circus.

Then, slowly, new songs began to appear. On a cold, crystal Christmas day last year, when everyone was in Stockholm for a drink, they wondered aloud, “Is it time to begin again? Afresh? Refreshed? Can we make an album?” and, after several more drinks, all eight Concretes stood up, raised their glasses and in unison declared: “YES WE CAN”.

But what songs should they make? Disco, someone said. Yes, Yes. They all agreed. A disco album! And that is what they did. Well, maybe not disco in the old euphoric seventies way, but in a Concretes way: dreamy and beautiful, but with a pulsing, hypnotic backbeat that is a new and welcome addition to the band’s signature sound. It’s disco that exists somewhere in the space between smiles and tears. Disco dreaming of being elsewhere.

With less guitar, more keyboards, more bass, deep languorous vinyl grooves, twitching percussion and some good old cowbell – but still with those trademark melodies – the band is finally back with a new album WYWH, a new label (Brooklyn-based tastemakers Friendly Fire Recordings), a new singer (Lisa Milberg, though not new to the band, has stepped out from behind the drums to take over vocals for the band after the departure of Victoria Bergsman), and a new lease on life.
Anew. Renewed. Improved.

OZZY OSBOURNE
RELEASES “LIFE WON’T WAIT,”
THE SECOND SINGLE FROM
HIS WORLDWIDE SMASH ALBUM ‘SCREAM’

THE VIDEO FOR THE SONG IS BEING DIRECTED
BY JACK OSBOURNE

FIRST-EVER OZZY iTUNES APP
AVAILABLE NOW

As OZZY OSBOURNE gears up for the August 14 launch of the 2010 OZZFest, the multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has released “Life Won’t Wait,” the second single from his worldwide smash Epic Records album SCREAM, which entered the charts in June in the Top Ten in more than 10 countries. The video for the hard-hitting and melodic life-affirming song is being directed by OZZY’s son, Jack Osbourne, and it was shot last week at various locations in Los Angeles.

At the same time, OZZY’s first-ever official free iTunes app–simply called OZZY–is available now and allows fans to enter the world of The Prince of Darkness. Users can experience music from OZZY’s 30-year solo career with access to a full discography featuring direct links to his iTunes page for a one-stop link to purchase of any song or album from his catalog. In addition, once downloaded, users can view music videos and photo galleries, access OZZY’s current concert dates and buy tickets for upcoming shows, or can instantly post comments and photos from shows they’ve just attended. A built-in fan wall also allows users to communicate with each other and search (by location) to find fellow OZZY fans in their town. The OZZY app is fully integrated with his official Twitter feed and has direct links to all of his other social networking sites as well as Ozzy’s official online store.

SCREAM is OZZY’s first album in three years and 10th studio album overall. He recorded most of it at his Los Angeles home studio, The Bunker. It was produced by OZZY and Kevin Churko, both of whom did the same honors for OZZY’s 2007 worldwide million-seller Black Rain. OZZY co-wrote all the songs on SCREAM, primarily with Churko. First single “Let Me Hear You Scream” hit #1 on both Active Rock charts (for two weeks) and #1 at Mainstream Rock (for 11 weeks). “Life Won’t Wait” is being cited in various reviews as one of the album’s standout tracks:

“Osbourne’s new band displays a tempo-shifting aptitude similar to vintage Black Sabbath – particularly on longer songs like “Let It Die,” “Diggin’ Me Down” and “I Want It More” – and is just as adept delivering gentler and more melodic pieces (‘Life Won’t Wait,’ ‘Time’).”
–Gary Graff, Billboard, July 31, 2010

“The lead single ‘Let Me Hear You Scream,’ with its mega-chorus and insane guitar solo should prove perfect for arena madness and there’s plenty of the former Black Sabbath frontman’s trademark trudging metal heard on songs like ‘Crucify’ the blow-down-the-doors rocker ‘Let it Die,’ and the exceedingly melodic standout ‘Life Won’t Wait.’”
–Kevin O’Hare, The Republican (Springfield, MA), June 21, 2010

For SCREAM, OZZY will embark on an 18-month world tour with his band: new guitar player Gus G., bassist Blasko, drummer Tommy Clufetos and keyboardist Adam Wakeman. His U.S. dates will kick off with an August 12 performance at the 70th anniversary of the Sturgis motorcycle rally in South Dakota before he launches this year’s OZZFest on August 14. The six OZZFest dates will feature the main stage line-up with full sets from OZZY, Mötley Crüe, Rob Halford, DevilDriver and Nonpoint. Second stage headliners and six-time OZZFest veterans Black Label Society will be joined by Drowning Pool, Kingdom of Sorrow, and Goatwhore, Skeletonwitch, Saviours and Kataklysm. Each OZZFest date will include 13 bands on two stages with music beginning at 1:00 PM. In addition, concert-goers can once again visit the OZZFest “Village of the Damned” featuring a mix of interactive activities, shopping and entertainment throughout the venue concourses.

The 2010 OZZFest dates are as follows:
DATE CITY VENUE
Sat, Aug 14 San Bernardino, CA San Manuel Amphitheater
Tue, Aug 17 Chicago, IL First Midwest Bank Amp.
Thurs, Aug 19 Pittsburgh, PA First Niagara Pavilion
Sat , Aug 21 Hartford, CT Comcast Theater
Sun, Aug 22 Camden, NJ Susquehanna
Tue, Aug 24 Boston, MA Comcast Center

Single Stream:

Ozzy Osbourne – Life Wont Wait – FLV Streaming, 250k, Audio

HARDDRIVE LIVE RETURNS FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR TOUR FEATURES SEVENDUST, 10 YEARS with SPECIAL GUESTS SINCE OCTOBER, ARANDA & ANEW REVOLUTION

Trek Kicks Off Oct 4th in Augusta, GA – Selected Dates On Sale Aug 20 & 21

United Stations nationally syndicated radio shows HardDrive and HardDrive XL have announced the second annual HARDDRIVE LIVE TOUR 2010 branded and produced in conjunction with its’ weekend and nightly radio programs. The 2010 lineup for the fall concert tour features headliners Sevendust, 10 Years, with special guests Since October, Aranda and Anew Revolution. The excursion will begin in Augusta, GA on October 4th and is currently scheduled to arrive in 28 cities across North America by November. Ticket sales will be staggered with some shows available Friday, August 20th and some on sale Saturday, August 21st. Tickets and additional information regarding the tour will be available at www.harddrivelivetour.com.

Last year’s inaugural outing of the HARDDRIVE LIVE TOUR featured All The Remains, Lacuna Coil, Maylene & The Sons of Disaster, from Sword to Sunrise and Taking Dawn. The tour was a major success for all involved. As was the case in 2009, local affiliates of HardDrive programming will be involved in promotional activity surrounding the concert dates by giving away tickets, artist meet and greet passes and VIP packages, and HardDrive host Lou Brutus will be on-hand for some of the concerts. Additionally, this year’s tour promotion will include two national fly-away contests to be aired on HardDrive and HardDrive XL. One contest will see winners fly in for the October 7th stop in Atlantic City, NJ and another be set in Orlando, FL on the final night of the tour. Details on both of those giveaways are coming soon, and information can be found at www.harddrivelivetour.com. The HardDrive Live tour is produced by Mike Childs and Ledge Entertainment.

Regarding their participation in the HardDrive Live Tour 2010, the members of Sevendust issued the following statement, “We couldn’t be more excited to be on the HardDrive Live tour this Fall. Roxy (Myzal, HardDrive producer) has been there since the beginning and HardDrive have been huge supporters of the band over the years. It will also be great to be on tour with our friends in 10 Years and, of course, as always – playing for our Sevendust family.”

HardDrive host, Lou Brutus added, “We know our radio shows touch people daily, but with a live concert tour we can REALLY reach out and touch both our affiliates and our listeners. It’s always been about the music for us, and there’s nothing that tops a live concert experience for fans, especially hardcore fans like me and the rest of the HardDrive staff.”

HardDrive with Lou Brutus debuted on July 5, 1996. With 125 radio stations broadcasting the show, HardDrive is America’s longest running new rock show supporting the careers of hundreds of groups from Korn to Five Finger Death Punch. Multi-platinum metal band Slipknot received some of their first national airplay on the two-hour week-end syndicated show. United Stations acquired the series in 2001, and in 2007 originator / producer Roxy Myzal developed the Monday through Friday spin-off HardDrive XL, also featuring Lou Brutus.

The complete itinerary for HardDrive Live 2010 is as follows:

OCT
4: Augusta, GA @ The Country Club
5: Fayetteville, NC @ Jester’s Pub
7: Atlantic City, NJ @ HOB
9: Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
10: Fitchburg, MA @ Fitchburg Trade -Bay State Metalfest
12: Hartford, CT @ Webster Theater
13: Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock
15: Indianapolis, IN @ 8 Seconds Saloon
16: Pittsburgh, PA @ Altar Bar
17: Mt. Clemens, MI @ Emerald Theatre
19: Sault Sainte Marie, MI @ Dream Makers Theater At Kewadin Casino
21: Chicago, IL @ Joe’s Bar (SEVENDUST with special guests TBA!)
22: Columbia, MO @ The Blue Note
23: Radio show TBA
25: San Antonio, TX @ Scout Bar
26: Odessa, TX @ Do Amigos
27: Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theatre
29: Las Vegas, NV @ Fremont East District
30: Fresno, CA @ Woodward Park (KRZR Halloween Show!)
31: Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues (last show with Since October)

NOV (Aranda joins tour & replaces Since October)
2: Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex
3: Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
5: Minneapolis, MN @ TBA
6: Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom
7: Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart’s
9: Tampa, FL @ The Ritz Ybor
10: Orlando, FL @ House of Blues

NEVER SHOUT NEVER WILL HIT THE ROAD FOR “THE HARMONY TOUR” IN OCTOBER WITH THE MAINE TICKETS GO ON SALE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AUGUST 21ST

NEW ALBUM, HARMONY, DUE AUGUST 24TH ON LOVEWAY/SIRE RECORDS

Burbank, CA – With the end of Never Shout Never’s summer-long stint on the Vans Warped tour in sight, the band has announced it will hit the road for a fall headlining tour with The Maine beginning October 19th in Seattle and criss-crossing the U.S. before winding up on November 27th in Chicago. Also on the bill are special guests I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody’s Business and Carter Hulsey. Please see below for all dates.

The pre-sale for The Harmony Tour is August 16th through August 20th via Artist Arena with tickets going on-sale to the general public beginning on Saturday, August 21st.

Never Shout Never, fronted by 19-year-old singer-songwriter Christofer Drew, will be on tour in support of its new album, Harmony, which will be released by Loveway/Sire Records on August 24th. Produced by Butch Vig (Green Day, Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins), Harmony is the follow-up to Never Shout Never’s critically heralded debut What Is Love?, which bowed at No. 24 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart, No. 2 on both the Alternative and Rock charts, No. 6 on the Digital Album chart, and No. 11 on the Internet album chart upon its release in January.

The video for Harmony’s first single, “CheaterCheaterBestFriendEater” has been added at MTV Hits and mtvU, while another video, for the track “Coffee & Cigarettes,” has been added at mtvU. Never Shout Never will perform on September 10th on the channel’s “VMA Weekend” Friday Night Kickoff Party, as well appear on the mtvU VMA Tour, which begins in St. Louis, MO, on August 21st and wraps up August 29th in Atlanta, GA. NSN will be joined by special guests The Ready Set on all dates. In addition, Never Shout Never will host an entire week of Video Music Awards-themed programming on AMTV, MTV2, MTV Hits, and mtvU.

Never Shout Never recently release a deluxe digital single, Melody, exclusively through iTunes. It includes the album version of “CheaterCheaterBestFriendEater” and iTunes exclusive track “Coffee & Cigarettes,” plus an audio interview with Vig about Harmony, ten exclusive photos by Drew, handwritten song lyrics to “Coffee & Cigarettes,” and an iTunes exclusive video Drew made for “Coffee & Cigarettes.”

A pre-order for a special iTunes LP version of Harmony, featuring the iTunes exclusive bonus track “Mailbox,” videos for “CheaterCheaterBestFriendEater” and “Coffee & Cigarettes,” a “Join the Band” sing-along feature, and 240 photos, has already begun. Those who pre-order will receive their iTunes LP version on Harmony’s street date.

Never Shout Never’s upcoming tour dates are as follows:

mtvU VMA Tour dates:

8/21 St. Louis, MO Six Flags
8/22 Gurnee, IL Six Flags Great America
8/26 Agawam, MA Six Flags New England
8/27 Jackson, NJ Six Flags Great Adventure
8/29 Atlanta, GA Six Flags Over GA

Fall Tour with The Maine:

10/19 Seattle, WA The Showbox @ The Market
10/20 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom
10/22 San Francisco, CA The Grand Ballroom @ The Regency
10/23 Anaheim, CA House of Blues
10/24 San Diego, CA House of Blues
10/26 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern
10/28 Tempe, AZ Marquee Theatre
10/30 Austin, TX La Zona Rosa
10/31 Tulsa, OK Cain’s Ballroom
11/02 Houston, TX House of Blues
11/03 Dallas, TX House of Blues
11/05 Orlando, FL House of Blues Orlando
11/06 Tampa, FL The Ritz
11/07 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Revolution
11/09 Atlanta, GA Center Stage
11/10 Raleigh, NC Lincoln Theatre
11/11 Richmond, VA The National
11/12 Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live
11/13 Philadelphia, PA Theatre of the Living Arts
11/14 Philadelphia, PA Theatre of the Living Arts
11/16 Hartford, CT Webster Theatre
11/17 Boston, MA House of Blues
11/18 New York, NY Nokia Theatre Times Square
11/19 Asbury Park, NJ Paramount Theatre
11/20 Allentown, PA Crocodile Rock Café
11/21 Pittsburgh, PA Club Zoo
11/23 Cleveland, OH House of Blues Cleveland
11/24 Pontiac, MI Clutch Cargo’s
11/26 Milwaukee, WI The Rave
11/27 Chicago, IL House of Blues

LINKIN PARK ANNOUNCES MTV/VH1 GLOBAL PREMIERE OF ‘THE CATALYST’ VIDEO AUGUST 26TH THE CATALYST FIRST NUMBER ONE DEBUT ON BILLBOARD ROCK SONGS CHART

NEW ALBUM A THOUSAND SUNS OUT SEPTEMBER 14TH

Burbank, CA – Through their official website (www.linkinpark.com) LINKIN PARK has announced the worldwide MTV/VH1 premiere of the video ‘The Catalyst’ on August 26th 2010. The video will premiere on MTV, VH1, MTV2, mtvU, MTV Hits, MTV Tr3s and all MTV international territories, (MTV, VH1 and MTV2 at 8:00pm primetime PDT/EDT). It will go online globally on MTV.com and onVH1.com at 12am EDT on the night of August 25th. The channels and websites will begin airing a 30 second clip of the video as well as exclusive shots from the video shoot leading up to the premiere.

The video of “The Catalyst” was directed by Linkin Park’s Joe Hahn. “When coming up with the idea of the visual piece to accompany the song, I thought of the end, “ Hahn says. “What would it look like and feel like if someone pushed the button to decide our fate? What would it feel like if we accepted our fate in the moment of devastation? If we had a final moment to celebrate our final living moments, how would that feel? When J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, described the first test detonation of the atomic bomb, he famously recalled the Bhagavad Ghita, which says, ‘If the radiance of a thousand suns were to burst at once into the sky, that would be like the splendor of the mighty one.’”

‘The Catalyst’ which went to radio on August 2nd, became the first song to debut at Number 1 in the 14-month history of the Billboard Rock Songs chart. The radio airplay survey measures the most–heard titles on alternative, mainstream rock and triple A radio. ‘The Catalyst’ launched with 12.2 million audience impressions in its first week. The song is also featured in a trailer for EA Games’ highly anticipated title, Medal of Honor, which launched along with the single and quickly went to #1 on YouTube.

A THOUSAND SUNS (Machine Shop Recordings / Warner Bros) will be released September 14th. The album is co-produced by Rick Rubin (U2, Johnny Cash) and Linkin Park vocalist Mike Shinoda.

Toronto Jazz Chanteuse EMILIE-CLAIRE BARLOW Releases The Beat Goes On October 12th, 2010

Upcoming Performances Announced

The Beat Goes On, Emilie-Claire Barlow’s 8th studio album, finds Barlow diving into new territory as she draws inspiration from one of the most inspired and colourful decades – the 1960’s. The result is a wonderfully varied collection of classic songs given new life by Barlow’s inventive arrangements and signature vocal style. The Beat Goes On is set for release on October 5th, 2010.

Recorded at the Doane LeBlanc studio, Barlow’s husband, Daniel LeBlanc, a noted composer and producer, took on co-production, engineering and mixing roles. Barlow herself had full control of the arrangements, and assembled an A- team of top local players to work with. The lineup includes her regular band of guitarist Reg Schwager, bassist Ross MacIntyre, saxophonist Kelly Jefferson and drummer Davide Direnzo, as well as a number of other all-star musicians recruited for the sessions.

The high caliber of musicianship is fully captured on this warm and often musically witty album. Barlow can move from playful Sunshine Superman to poignant Will You (Still) Love Me Tomorrow and Until It’s Time For You To Go with graceful ease, thanks to a voice that convincingly portrays the whole gamut of emotions.

“By recasting these gems in different musical settings, the listener will get to see them in a new light,” says Barlow. And her well-developed skills as an arranger certainly showcase this notion. Her inventive blend of The Beat Goes On and Quincy Jones’ Soul Bossa Nova, is a prime example of how Barlow can take an infectious tune, have fun with it and make it her own.

Another song given a radical facelift is Bob Dylan’s Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright. “Dylan gives you a clean slate, as his version was just voice and guitar,” says Barlow. “We took liberties with the melody on that one, adding a Latin groove that took it to a different place.” Sweet guitar, melodic horns and gentle scatting are featured on a version that will seduce even hardcore Dylanophiles.

It is this kind of musical imagination that sets Barlow apart from her female jazz singer peers. The potent combination of well-honed vocal and musical chops and a charming stage presence has earned Emilie-Claire Barlow two Juno nominations and a sizeable and loyal following in Canada.

Says Barlow, “This record is a direct reflection of where I am in my life, personally and musically. What people see is really me.” For Emilie-Claire Barlow, the beat goes on, and we’re the lucky recipients.

The Beat Goes On Tracklisting:

Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head
Sunshine Superman
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright
He Thinks I Still Care
The Beat Goes On / Soul Bossa Nova
These Boots Were Made For Walkin’
Until It’s Time For You to Go
Little Boat (O Barquinho)
Comme Je Crie, Comme Je Chante
Will You (Still) Love Me Tomorrow?
Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday
T’es Pas Un Autre

Upcoming Tour Dates

Aug 20 – Sylvan Lake, AB – Stevenson Performing Arts Centre
Dec 15 – Quebec, QC – Grand Theatre de Quebec
Feb 26 – Sherbrooke, QC – Centennial Theatre
Mar 17 – Moncton, NB – The Capitol Theatre
Mar 24 – Whitehorse, YK – Yukon Arts Centre
Mar 25 – St.Albert, AB – Arden Theatre
Mar 27 – North Vancouver, BC – Capilano Performing Arts Theatre
May 14 – Toronto, ON – Queen Elizabeth Theatre