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Multi-platinum hard rock powerhouse FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH have released the digital deluxe version of their acclaimed album AFTERLIFE via Better Noise Records. Stream/download AFTERLIFE: DELUXE HERE. The deluxe edition includes the original 12 tracks recorded with the band’s longtime producer Kevin Churko (Ozzy Osbourne, Disturbed), in addition to four bonus tracks including three acoustic versions of the album’s songs “The End,” “Judgement Day,” and “Thanks For Asking” plus the brand new highly anticipated single, “This Is The Way,” featuring the late legendary rapper DMX. To further celebrate the release, Five Finger Death Punch have shared the music video for “This Is The Way (feat. DMX)” directed by none other than highly influential filmmaker Hype Williams, a longtime friend and close collaborator of the late DMX. Hailed by the New York Times in 2024 as “The Nineties Wunderkind,” Hype Williams is known for his seminal work with luminaries like Tupac, Wu-Tang Clan, and Jay-Z amongst others. Watch the video  out below or directly via YouTube HERE. “Music is meant to be universal and without boundaries, and it starts at the top with us, the artists,” says Five Finger Death Punch guitarist Zoltan Bathory. “We have always embraced the mixing of genres, whether it be the remake of LL Cool J's "Mama Said Knock You Out" featuring Tech N9ne as a guest, or our collaboration with blues warrior Kenny Wayne Shepherd, country star Brantley Gilbert, and Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen, on the song ‘Blue on Black.’” “The idea of collaborating with DMX had been in discussion for years, and it was a long and winding road to turn this particular item on our wish list into reality. He was a lyrical warrior, a true original who spoke his mind incorruptibly. We have always viewed DMX as “the metalhead of hip-hop’ because of his aggressive, raw, and untamed style. He growled and snarled, aiming to rattle some cages–an attitude we share, as Five Finger Death Punch has always been drawn to the fearless and the real. It made all the sense in the world, but today this is more than just a song; it's a salute to a legend, a way to honor DMX's memory.” When playing the song for other hip-hop legends, DMC of Run DMC, one of the originals to do it first with “Walk This Way” with Aerosmith said, “The sound of the music, what Ivan is singing about, and what X is talking about, is how X lived his life. The struggle, the dark with the light, the bad with the good, the pain with the joy. This song is very emotional, very musical, it’s very well rounded.”

Feeder are thirty years old, but still rocking it like it's 2000 - go and pinch yourself, you heard right. The band follow up 2022's 'Torpedo' with a monster double album: the final part of their trilogy. It's an album that needs time and investment, but it's worth getting stuck in. This two-parter is packed with rocking radio anthems, alongside album-orientated tracks that will never make the airwaves but could easily become fan favourites. Tracks like the deliciously riffy 'Sleeping Dogs Lie' and 'AI Man' all deal with fear of alienation, technology, politics, mental health and the fate of humanity are all recurring themes in the album. The doom-style guitars and grungy percussion, intertwined with otherworldly electronic sounds play into these themes even more. This is Feeder Redux: older, wiser, more self and world-aware, more mindful and the music they play shows this evolution. 'The Knock' sums this up, in the journey of life and how to ride the wave. The songs aren't all doom and gloom in terms of tone, the band offers moments of light to escape the mad world. The stadium-worthy 'Soldier of Love' is an uplifting anthem for keeping your head in this crazy world. On the flip side 'Submarine' continues this theme to 'get away from the rat race'. The 'Black' disc is a rock with a dash of retro pop as tracks like 'ELF' have a heady dose of 00s nostalgia- even if they do have the vibe of a heavyweight Coldplay to them. 'Hey You' and 'Playing With Fire' opts for a more aggressive tone that runs through the album. While the 'Red' side takes things down a notch but is still packed with Feeder's alt-rock exuberance. album closer 'Ghosts on Parade' is a particular highlight Despite releasing a double album, there's no great deviation from the Feeder sound we know and love, it may be a little more introspective, but it's also an epic listen.

Royal Albert Hall 5th April 2024 Joe Bonamassa  headed to the Royal Albert Hall to play two shows - his only tour dates here this year.(Although he is playing at the Black Deer Festival this summer.) Bonamassa is no stranger to the boards at the Albert Hall, he's probably as familiar with them as his fretboard and he should be: Tonight’s show marks his 12th show at the iconic venue. Punctual as ever with the 7.30 start, the lights are low and the band enter the stage together. There's already whoops from the crowd as they make out the shapes of the muscians settling behind their instruments for two hours of electrifying blues rock. There's usually no support for his shows, tonight is just the same. If you've never been to a Joe Bonamassa gig let me fill you in: he gets on stage, struts his stuff and his playing is so smokin' hot he doesn't need a warm up act. Joe is dressed in his typical attire of suit and shades, looking more Wall Street than Beale Street. But we're not here to assess him on his sartorial choices. Suffice to say that by keeping it simple with zero distractions allows the music to speak for itself. Or perhaps it’s a tribute to the original blues men who kept things smart. Either way his look has become part of his stage persona and as recognisable as the music he plays. He launches into ‘Hope You Realize It’ (sadly without the horn section) followed by the comforting retro sound of ‘Twenty- Four Hour Blues’, both tracks are taken from ‘Blues Deluxe Vol 2’ released last year. There's already been some killer solos, the audience are on their feet cheering and we're only two songs in! Smokin' Joe is just getting started with songs like the Pink Floydesque ‘Self Inflicted Wounds’ that features backing vocalist, Jade McCray doing her best to channel Clare Torry - it's spellbinding stuff. Jimi set his guitars on fire, Prince made love to them and Pete smashed them up.  Joe coaxes them like a magician, running his fingers up and down the neck casting a spell before unleashing the spirit of all the great guitar men who've come before. Eagled eared members of the audience will spot some familiar licks and styles from Dave Gilmore, to Jeff Beck. Joe is a total sponge of music, so it's not surprising that when casting his spell vignettes from the past pop out. By now there's a woman at the back of the hall that is pratically orgasmic, singing at full volume, cheering in the pin-drop silence. Joe even gives her a shout out as being one of three best singers in the room (the other two being back-up singers - the incredibly talented Jade McCray and Danielle De Andrea) The band move on to ‘Shout About It’ and another new release, ‘Last Matador of Bayonne’.  Theres plenty of improvisational break outs from Joe, Josh Smith and the sublime Reese Wynans along the way. By the midway point, it's time for Joe to pause and say a few words where he pays tribute to his friend, the late Bernie Marsden. He then introduced the terrific live band, who quite frankly would be worth the entry price alone! Lamar Carter, is one of the most soulful and expressive drummers I’ve had the pleasure of seeing. First class bass player, Calvin Turner wears a Reese Wynans tee shirt, which just goes to show the deep respect musicans have for each other. When introducing Wynans, Joe encourages the audience to get on their feet to honour the rock and roll hall of fame inductee. It’s possibly the biggest cheer of the night. Then it’s back to business with ‘Heart That Never Waits’. The band continue to cut loose with Josh Smith, Reece and Lamar all given space to let rip before the end of the evening. After a rousing applause the encore of ‘Mountain Time’ and the Cream classic ‘Crossroads’ rounds off show 12 at the Albert Hall. I know that sometimes Smokin' Joe gets roasted for being ubiquitous, but the fact that he's a one man music factory shows his dedication to the blues genre. If he's not writing and releasing material, he's working with other musicians. This isn't an ego trip, far from it, this is a musician who has a one track mind on blues music. His shows are always fun, energetic, unpredictable and awe-inspiring and filled of some of two hours of pretty much wall to wall blues from some of the finest musicians on the planet. If you get the chance to see him live you won’t be disappointed. Better still, you can be home and tucked up in bed with your coco by 11pm. How very rock and roll! Review by Cathy Clark and Gerry Driver Photos by Simon Green

I’m CP, singer in A Permanent Shadow. I’m of Austrian origin but have lived in Spain for the last 25 years. I started APS some 5 years ago, and we have two full albums and an EP under our belt. TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW ALBUM We have a new album out called “No Leaf Clover”. Most of our albums are somewhat conceptual, and this one is no exception. It’s basically about toxic relationships on different levels: father-son, idol-fan, brother-sister and so on. Happy-go-lucky it isn’t. WHICH SONG WOULD YOU SAY SUMS UP YOUR SOUND THE BEST? Of the new bunch, I’d say the song “Little Ones”. It sums up perfectly what we want to be. It’s danceable, hummable yet with a lyrical content which may make you a tad uncomfortable. HOW DID YOU GET INTO MUSIC? It’s all David Bowie’s fault. When I heard the album “Let’s Dance” for the first time I knew I wanted to be a musician. Looking back now, it’s not Bowie’s best work, but it ignited my passion for Rock and Roll. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL WRITING AND RECORDING DAY LOOK LIKE? We usually work office-hours, Spanish office-hours that is. Ten-to-seven with a long lunch break. Our records are pretty layered, so after laying down the instruments separately, the major chunk of work is the post-production which involves forever listening to the same loops over and over again until we all want to kill each other. HOW DID YOU GET YOUR BAND NAME/ STAGE NAME? I always thought that A Permanent Shadow sounded really cool. When I looked up what it actually meant, I thought it was even cooler as it can mean a variety of things, from a skin condition to dark spots on the moon and after-effects of nuclear war. WHAT HAS BEEN THAT HARDEST THING ABOUT YOUR MUSIC JOURNEY SO FAR? Getting recognized is the hardest and to me also the most annoying part. When you are recording you are in this kind of isolated state where you and some other people brew up something new and exciting almost in secret. But there comes a point when recording is finished and you need to sell your work to the world, and that’s where the fun stops, as far as I’m concerned. WHAT'S BEEN THE EASIEST? I think the creative process is really easy once you get rid of your ego. It has an almost healing or at least calming effect on you. Maybe I’m lucky enough to be working with like-minded people, but creatively it really has been an easy ride so far. WHAT WOULD YOU DOING IF YOU WEREN'T MAKING MUSIC? I’m a trained grief counsellor, so I’d probably be helping people getting through hard times, which is not the worst job in the world either. WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN? Get a lawyer and lower your expectations. WHAT'S NEXT? The new album will require some promotion and hopefully open enough doors to enable us to play live, and then it’s back to the studio for a covers EP and album number four.

Underwater Worlds, a classical spin on Metallica and some smooth blues rock Ayreon 'The Day The World Breaks Down' Ayreon reveals the spectacular live video for "The Day The World Breaks Down" which features an enormous singing cast of Damian Wilson, Daniel Gildenlow, Jan Willem Ketelaers, Simone Simons, Maggy Luyten, Jaycee, Hansi Kürsch, Mike Mills, Tom Englund, Anneke van Giersbergen, Marcela Bovio and Irene Jansen. An Ayreon live event is a monumental occasion where the highest-calibre musicians and an enormous production come together to forge a bombastic spectacle. Talking about the song, Arjen Lucassen says, "Finally… on my birthday… here is the 2nd videoclip from the Ayreon ‘Live Beneath The Waves’ DVD/BluRay! I picked the song The Day That The World Breaks Down because firstly it’s one of my favorites and secondly it features many of the talented singers. We never thought we could pull this complicated song off in a live setting, but seems like we did it! Let me know if you agree… enjoy." In September 2023, Arjen Lucassen's '01011001 - Live Beneath the Waves' sold out five performances at Poppodium 013 in Tilburg, The Netherlands. Today, Ayreon is excited to announce the release of this concert on 3LP, 2CD+DVD, Blu-ray, Earbook, and digital formats on 17 May, through Music Theories Recordings / Mascot Label Group. Indulge in a taster with the first live video of "The Sixth Extinction" HERE. You can pre-order '01011001 - Live Beneath the Waves' here. This live production, based on the critically acclaimed 2008 concept album '01011001,' was performed in its entirety, followed by a number of encore songs. The stage came alive with an imposing backdrop, LED screens showcasing fantastic visuals, lasers, pyrotechnics, special effects, and a unique live surround sound experience – a setup that would be at home on Broadway or London's West End. Ayreon mastermind Arjen Lucassen, alongside keyboardist Joost van den Broek, assembled a remarkable lineup, featuring many original cast members from the 01011001 album and various special guests such as Simone Simons (Epica), Damian Wilson (Threshold), Anneke van Giersbergen, Jonas Renkse (Katatonia), Tom Englund (Evergrey), Daniel Gildenlow (Pain of Salvation), Marcela Bovio (MaYan), Brittney Slayes (Unleash the Archers), Hansi Kürsch (Blind Guardian), John Jaycee Cuijpers (Praying Mantis), Maggy Luyten (Beautiful Sin), Michael Mills (Toehider) and Wudstik, among other incredible musicians. The band featured top instrumentalists from the genre - Ed Warby (Drums), Johan van Stratum (Bass), Timo Somers (Guitar), Marcel Coenen (Guitar), Joost Van Den Broek (Keyboards) and more. The enigmatic Lucassen himself made an appearance, marking this as the largest cast in Ayreon's live show history, which is no mean feat. 'Live Beneath the Waves' vividly brings to life the water planet Y, immersing audiences in this technological underwater world. - 'The Unforgiven II' APOCALYPTICA are thrilled to release the second single from Apocalyptica Plays Metallica, Vol. 2 – the hotly-anticipated sequel to their legendary debut record. 'The Unforgiven II' falls hot on the heels of first single 'The Four Horsemen', featuring Metallica’s very own bassist Rob Trujllo. “We wanted to balance what we were doing between old and new,” says lead cellist Perttu Kivilaakso. “'The Unforgiven II' has such beautiful melodies and the lyrics are great, too! I loved the fact that we’ve been able to bind this record and our first record together in this way." Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 2 will continue the journey that began in 1996 when cellists from Helsinki’s world-renowned Sibelius Academy played symphonic tribute to the biggest of the big four – heavy metal titans Metallica. For their ninth record the classically-minded dynamos are returning to their roots to bring a legendary story full circle. It also features a host of surprises beginning with a unique collaboration. Second single 'The Unforgiven II', taken from Metallica’s 1997 album Reload is a stunning reimagining of a cast-iron classic, setting the scene for a compendium of deep cuts and brilliant highlights spanning Metallica’s staggering 40 year career, and there are more surprises to come. Founding band-leader Eicca Toppinen comments: “It’s the coolest thing. We didn’t push - it was offered. We played the first album live and it was so much more fun and exciting than we expected, so we got the idea to do something like the first album, but we couldn’t do it in exactly the same way – we needed to challenge ourselves and bring a totally new perspective to the original energy and emotion of Metallica.” Lead cellist Perttu Kivilaakso adds: “We’ve been talking about making another Metallica album for around 20 years, as there were still so many great songs we wanted to play! We waited for the perfect moment to do it. Thinking of that teenage me who is now getting to play his favourite tracks gives me goosebumps!" Susan Santos - 'So Long' Today, Blues rock guitar sensation, Susan Santos celebrates the release of her new studio album Sonora with her new single “So Long.” Sonora is Santos’ sixth studio album. The album title encapsulates the overall vibe that permeates throughout the eight songs. Although each of the album tracks vary in style, they all share a common thread – the desert. Sonora is the first that that Santos fully identities in more ways than one. The album is diverse and encompasses guitar styles that ranges from Western to psychedelia. Sonora was recorded at Black Betty Studios in Madrid, and produced by Santos and Jose Nortes. All songs. composed by Susan Santos, were recorded as a trio featuring David Salvador (bass) and Juli El Lento (drums). Santos sang lead vocals and played electric, baritone, and acoustic guitars, banjo, and theremin. Sonora is the album of the desert, and the desert people. The songs tell stories ranging from survival, thirst, outlaws, escape, and freedom against a backdrop of scorpions, lizards, and roadrunners. Before listening, it is highly recommended to embark on your road journey with a full tank, and don’t pick up any hitchhikers. Based in Madrid, Susan Santos is a passionate, self-taught left-hand guitarist. She writes her own songs that reflect her signature blend of rhythm and textures. She is a creative force in the guitar world, and a truly unique artist in her own right. The gifted Spanish guitarist and singer songwriter has spent years performing in famous establishments and venues, and numerous festivals throughout Europe, Mexico, and America. She has shared the stage with ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and won “Best Musician Performance” at the 2018 European Blues Awards, and “Best Female Album” at the 2019 LA Critics’ Awards. SUSAN SANTOS – 2024 “SONORA” TOUR TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM: BANDSINTOWN.COM SATURDAY 6 APRIL 2024 GRAND BLUES FESTIVAL Lahti, Finland FRIDAY 14 JUNE 2024 BBK LEGENDS Bilbao, Spain SUNDAY 6 OCTOBER 2024 CORNWALL ROCKS FESTIVAL Cornwall, UK SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER 2024 CORNWALL CARLISLE BLUES & ROCK FESTIVAL Carlisle, UK Photo credits: APOCALYPTICA - Riki Murto, Susan Santos - Juan Pérez-Fajardo

30 years ago, members of Whitesnake came together to form Manic Eden. They released one high-octane album, which will be reissued and released on vinyl for the first time. The year was 1993 and Whitesnake was on a hiatus. David Coverdale was working on an album with Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page. Adrian Vandenberg (Guitar/Keys), Rudy Sarzo (Bass) and Tommy Aldridge (Drums) decided to put a band together. Rock was massive in the 80s, but by the early 90s the scuzzy guitars and shoe gazing of grunge were waking over. Adrian Vandenberg wanted to return to his youth and influences to create a more organic sound: raw, spontaneous and mixed in a way that was not overcooked. They recruited Little Caesar's Ron Young for the vocals and headed into the studio for two weeks and recorded the record 70s style. Given the bold records of the 80s and the more indie approach of grunge, the record slots in the middle of both. The influences of Hendrix, Free and Cream are writ large everywhere from Young's vocal phrasing to Vandenberg's guitar work. The album struggled to gain radio play at the time because of the era and was pretty much ignored at the time, partly because it lacked the big chorus spark that would take them into the mainstream. But that's not necessarily a bad thing, as the album aims to keep it real rather than strut its stuff overtly (we'll leave that to Mr Coverdale.) Despite not making waves, it's still one of Vandenber's proudest musical moments and does boast some stand-out rock numbers like 'Gime A Shot' and 'When the Hammer Comes Down' alongside ballads 'Ride the Storm' and 'Dark Shade of Grey'. In many ways, the album was very much ahead of its time and has more in common stylistically with rock music today than thirty years ago. Give it a spin, it's a pleasant surprise, it's just a shame that the band only made one album before moving on to other projects.

Elles Bailey Announces New Album Beneath The Neon Glow Out August 9th On Cooking Vinyl Records Award-winning UK based genre-blending roots singer songwriter Elles Bailey returns with her stunning new album Beneath The Neon Glow. The album, Elles’ fourth studio album, comes out August 9th on Cooking Vinyl Records. The first taste of Beneath The Neon Glow comes in the shape of album opener ‘Enjoy The Ride’. The last song written for the album, ‘Enjoy The Ride’ perfectly bottles road movie energy and blue skies positivity with an autobiographical lyric that Elles has lived and breathed. “Very early on in my career a friend told me that this musical path I had chosen doesn't have a destination, it's a journey, a very tough journey and it's so important to enjoy the journey,” Elles said of the track. “I have based my whole career on this motto and ‘Enjoy the Ride’ is my autobiographical tribute to the journey I have taken. It's not always easy, in fact most of the time it's incredibly challenging, but I love it!” Beneath The Neon Glow sees Elles intertwine British roots, Americana and blues across ten powerfully, uplifting tracks. Produced by Dan Weller (Enter Shikari) and recorded with Elles’ exceptional and trusted live band, the album is an exploration of love's myriad forms. Through lyrically vulnerable and brutally honest songwriting, Elles delves into the depths of heartbreak, the resilience of friendship, and the enduring power of love that spans a lifetime. From the fleeting moments to the love that withstands the test of time, she fearlessly navigates through the spectrum of human emotion, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into her journey. “This album broke me apart and made me whole all at the same time and It’s been a real journey of discovery both melodically, lyrically, musically and personally with some of the songs written through some really dark moments and others during the highest of highs,” Elles said of Beneath The Neon Glow. “It’s definitely been the hardest, but most rewarding record I have made to date… I’m not gonna lie, trying to find the creative headspace to write a record, and then being present during the mixing process when you have a toddler and you’re trying to be the best parent you can be, is definitely a struggle, but it’s been worth it.” With a top 50 album, achieved independently, an ever growing and adoring fanbase, as well as countless awards and a weekly radio show on Planet Rock already under her belt, Elles is ready to take things to the next step and there’s no better album for her to take that journey with. “I might be new to some people, but I have been around for quite a long while. I'm not here for a flash-in-the-pan moment. I want a long-term career in music. I love what I do. I love that I get to take it around the world. So if I can continue to do that, and just play to larger audiences and continue to grow, that's exactly what I'll do.” Enjoy the ride! Beneath The Neon Glow Tracklist: Enjoy The Ride Ballad of a Broken Dream Leave The Light On 1972 Silhouette In a Sunset Truth Ain’t Gonna Save Us If This Is Love Let It Burn Love Yourself Turn off The News Photo Credit: Rob Blackham https://www.ellesbailey.com/

Singer-songwriter and guitarist Quinn Sullivan has unveiled "Half My Heart," the latest single from his emotionally charged album, 'Salvation,' out June 7th via Provogue/Mascot Label Group. This song stands out as a cornerstone of the album, capturing the essence of heartbreak and resilience in the wake of a lost love. Quinn describes "Half My Heart" as one of his personal favorites, a track that delves deep into the sorrow of separation, with poignant lyrics that resonate with anyone who has faced the despair of a failing relationship. "'Half My Heart' is about that profound sense of loss when someone you've shared your life with drifts away," says Quinn. "The line 'you didn't have to steal ‘cause you had the key' really embodies the whole song for me. It's a reflection on how painful it can be when you've given everything to someone, only to be let down. It's a feeling many of us know all too well." The release of "Half My Heart" follows the announcement of Sullivan's fifth album, 'Salvation,' an album that has already garnered acclaim for its raw honesty and musical sophistication. Recorded in the wake of personal tragedy, 'Salvation' is a testament to Quinn's growth as an artist and his ability to transform grief into a source of strength and inspiration. With this latest single, Sullivan continues to explore the themes of love, loss, and redemption that permeate the album. Over the past few years, Quinn Sullivan has not only captured the attention of the music world with his guitar prowess but has also established himself as a compelling storyteller and songwriter. His evolution from a blues prodigy, touring with Buddy Guy, to a mature artist capable of conveying deep emotional truths through his music has been remarkable. With each release, Sullivan reaffirms his commitment to pushing the boundaries of his craft, blending his blues-rock roots with a more introspective songwriting approach. This song follows on from "Dark Love," a song that encapsulates the allure and turmoil of a fraught love affair. “‘Dark Love’ is about those toxic relationships you can't seem to leave,” Quinn shares. “It's a story of two people who are so wrong for each other, but there's that fire that keeps them together, even though they know it's bad. We've all been there." Showcasing Sullivan's continued mastery of blending storytelling with melody, set against the backdrop of his refined guitar skills that have become his signature, the announcement follows the release of the album’s fiorst single, "Salvation (Make Me Wanna Pray),” which laid the groundwork for this introspective project. Featuring the warm, swirling tones of a B3 organ and the expressive cries of a wah-wah pedal, "Salvation (Make Me Wanna Pray)" is a testament to Sullivan's ability to honor the roots of rock and soul while innovating within the genre, heralding his matured musical direction. As Quinn continues to tour across the nation, "Half My Heart" is set to become an anthem for those navigating the complexities of love and heartache. His performances offer an intimate glimpse into the soul of an artist who is not afraid to bare his heart and share his journey with the world. For tour dates and more information on Quinn Sullivan and 'Salvation,' visit https://quinnsullivanmusic.com/.

Feeder have released 'Hey You', the latest single from their forthcoming double album Black / Red which is set for release next Friday, 5th April 2024 on Big Teeth Music via Townsend Music / Absolute Label Services. Black / Red completes a trilogy of albums joined to 2022’s UK Top 5 album Torpedo and follows a run of new singles that have catalogued roller-coaster rides of self-discovery, and reasoned with how to bridge the void when love feels far away. 'Hey You' hits its highs as a contemplative, swelling and triumphant new offering from the double album project. Songs across Black / Red carry with them the same sense of wide-open space, freedom and possibility, aligned with an optimistic energy that first lit the fuse for [2022 album] Torpedo. Cohesive and connected rather than a concept, Black / Red is a continuation of Torpedo’s conversation but at the same time a full stop on a prolific songwriting period that encapsulates a very specific moment in time for the band. Feeder’s first ever double album became the perfect way for them to not only realise what these songs mean together in the present day, but also to show the breadth of a sound they’ve honed across the decades, taking in muscular riffs, sky-scraping melodies and heartfelt sentiment. Photo credit: Steve Gullick Talking about the new album, vocalist, guitarist and writer Grant Nicholas says: “I really wanted the album to be split in two parts for the listener, CD1 and CD2, black and red rather than be one long player, almost like a musical production with an interval. Making it was a very creative time for me as a writer and a real labour of love. Making the Black / Red album for me personally was a musical pilgrimage and I feel the end result is undeniable Feeder.” Black / Red is released on 5th April 2024 and will be available on digital, CD and vinyl. Pre-order here.

Rock fusion, indie rock and cowpunk in this week's round-up Mandoki Soulmates - 'The Big Quit' Mandoki Soulmates release new single and video “The Big Quit” from upcoming album “A Memory Of Our Future”; announce Dolby Atmos album mix and exclusive live open air concert in Munich on August 15th, the only German Mandoki Soulmates show this year Mandoki Soulmates – the international supergroup consisting of rock and fusion legends as well as founder and mastermind Leslie Mandoki – release the 2nd single The Big Quit from the upcoming album, A Memory Of Our Future. Pre-Order A Memory Of Our Future here: https://mandokisoulmates.lnk.to/AMemoryOfOurFuture-Bio The Big Quit is a prog rock tour-de-force with a hooky melody that will have you singing along long after the needle has been lifted from the vinyl. As Leslie Mandoki comments: “Well we were sitting on a wonderful summer night in Tuscany, with friends and also fellow Soulmate Till Brönner. We were talking about the future, and as we spoke I came up with the main lyrics: Hard times creating hard people, hard people making easy times, easy times creating easy people, and easy people bring us hard times again. And on that night I created this song ‘The Big Quit’. Have a listen to the wonderful playing.” Watch the video for The Big Quit here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6W-t6bvGME Stream The Big Quit on your favorite DSP or buy here: https://mandokisoulmates.lnk.to/AMemoryOfOurFuture-Album In addition to the new single, Mandoki Soulmates announce the availability of a Dolby Atmos album mix, which will be available to stream and buy on May 10th. The mix was done by Bruce Soord, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and frontman for internationally renowned experimental rock outfit “The Pineapple Thief”. Dolby Atmos is an immersive surround sound format that offers a spatial sound experience that has so far mainly been used in cinemas. When done well, Dolby Atmos allows music to be reproduced with unparalleled clarity and depth. The entire album was recorded and produced purely in the analog domain, from microphone to mixing and mastering. Recorded and mixed in Leslie Mandoki’s Red Rock Studios near Munich, mastered in the infamous Sterling Sound Studios in New York, and cut in the Emil Berliner Studios in Berlin. The analog format is also an expression of their special appreciation and bond with the band’s audience, “like a love letter handwritten with a fountain pen”. Mandoki Soulmates are: Leslie Mandoki Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) Mike Stern Al di Meola Randy Brecker Till Brönner Bill Evans John Helliwell (Supertramp) Cory Henry Richard Bona Steve Bailey Simon Phillips (Toto) Tony Carey (Rainbow) Nick van Eede (Cutting Crew) Jesse Siebenberg (Supertramp) Mark Hart (Supertramp) Vampire Weekend - 'Mary Boone' Vampire Weekend have released “Mary Boone” — the fourth and final advance offering from Only God Was Above Us out April 5th via Columbia Records. Written by Ezra Koenig and featuring a sample of the iconic drum loop from “Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)" by Soul II Soul. Produced by Ariel Rechtshaid and Koenig, with lush orchestral arrangements by Will Canzoneri, Koenig and Rechtshaid, the song — named for one of the most influential figures of the NYC art world of the 1980s—features a soaring, operatic choir alongside Koenig’s understated but honeyed vocals, and lyrics referencing Tadao Ando churches, Natarajas, hex signs, and whirling Dervishes. As its eclectic sonic and lyrical tapestries unfold, the song finds a narrator looking to get their foot in the door of the New York art world (or perhaps something bigger): “Mary Boone” is accompanied by an official visualizer which features a rapper who’s never released an album, Despot, driving from New Jersey to Manhattan via the Lincoln Tunnel. Watch it here. To date, Ezra Koenig, Chris Tomson and Chris Baio have released four songs from Only God Was Above Us: “Gen-X Cops,” “Capricorn,” “Classical” and now “Mary Boone”—evincing a diverse array of sounds and narratives, yet only revealing less than half of the album’s staggering range and depth. Only God Was Above Us will be available across digital platforms as well as on vinyl and CD. Pre-orders can be placed at https://vampireweekend.store/ To accompany the news of Mary Boone, Vampire Weekend today announce a nine-date run of live shows kicking off at the 3Arena in Dublin on November 29th, and carrying through the U.K. in Scotland, Manchester and two separate London shows before wrapping up the run with shows in Paris and Amsterdam. A fan pre-sale goes on sale from 10am (GMT) on Wednesday 3rd April with a general sale from 10am on Friday 5th April. Fans pre-ordering the album via Vampire Weekend’s website HERE will receive early access to UK & IRE Tour tickets. Further information can be found at vampireweekend.com. Vampire Weekend UK & European Tour 2024 Nov 29 2024                 Dublin, Ireland                           3Arena Dec 01 2024                 Manchester, UK                        O2 Apollo Dec 02 2024                 Manchester, UK                       O2 Apollo Dec 04 2024                 London, UK                              Eventim Apollo Dec 06 2024                 Wolverhampton, UK                  The Halls Dec 08 2024                 Glasgow, UK                             OVO Hydro Dec 10 2024                 London, UK                              O2 Academy Brixton Dec 13 2024                 Paris, France                            Adidas Arena Dec 15 2024                 Amsterdam, Netherlands           AFAS Live Jenny Don't and The Spurs ' 'Pain in My Heart' Based in Portland, Oregon in the US Northwest, Jenny Don’t and the Spurs have spent over a decade building a reputation as hardworking and musically-driven stalwarts of the Country Western scene. Despite facing challenges - singer Jenny had vocal surgery in 2019 and drummer Sam Henry was lost to cancer in 2022 - they have remained resilient and fully committed to their musical journey. With a fierce DIY ethos, they have independently released the majority of their output (three albums, ten singles) on their own label, cultivating a vast international following via extensive tours across Europe and Australia/New Zealand, as well as performances in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Mexico. The group most recently attracted attention with their album ‘Fire On The Ridge’, a collaboration with the Fluff and Gravy label that topped the Alt Country charts and earned excellent reviews in the UK, where they toured in 2023. The year also saw them win the coveted ‘Outlaw Group of the Year’ award at Dale Watson's Ameripolitan Award Ceremony held in Memphis, plus they joined Charley Crockett for multiple dates on his US tour before captivating audiences at the Out On The Weekend Fest in Melbourne, Australia. Jenny Don’t and the Spurs remain committed to pursuing their passion and will release a brand new album entitled ‘Broken Hearted Blue’ in mid-June 2024. An initial single from it, ‘Pain In My Heart’, has been released today, a song that Jenny explains “draws from the timeless style of Johnny Paycheck and is my take on classic country storytelling. It's all about that moment of reflection, where you realise you've messed up but still hold out hope for redemption. It's like saying, 'Yeah, I screwed up, but hey, I still love you.' That's the vibe – a mix of regret and optimism, just like those old-school country tunes.”

MoGa are a new experimental death metal band formed in 2023. They are based in Sofia, Bulgaria and strive to challenge the established musical boundaries. TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST ALBUM OR SINGLE Our debut album bears the title “Where do you come from”. It tells the story of MoGa, a little red alien (and at the same time our band mascot) who has travelled across galaxies to visit our planet and get to know us humans. Each track on the record captures a moment of his journey on earth. WHICH SONG WOULD YOU SAY SUMS UP YOUR SOUND THE BEST? That’s a tough one. I’d go with “Contrastmus” – this the track we open our live shows with. It has a little bit of everything which the audience will hear later on in our performance. DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC IN A FEW WORDS. We have a surreal mixture of heavily distorted 8-string guitars, harsh vocals and extreme drumming on the one hand and clean vocals, ethereal calmness and clean tones on the other. We have riffs that fire up the circle pit and experimental ballads to calm the senses. WHO HAVE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES BEEN? This album is not a product that takes after any particular band. The main composer and mastermind behind it all is Anton Dimitrov (guitars), seasoned musical veteran, who has drawn inspiration from nature and many real-life situations. Even though fans tend to recognize some references to well-known and established bands, I wouldn’t want to name them here to prevent that anyone gets biased before they give us a listen. Check out our links, listen to our album and decide for yourself 😊 HOW DID YOU GET INTO MUSIC? That’s easy. I (Hristo, the band’s rhythm guitarist) am the son of a classical musician. I started playing piano when I was 5 and even though it took some time until I switched over to guitar, I have been playing a musical instrument for as long as I can remember. WHAT IS THE CREATIVE PROCESS LIKE FOR YOU WHEN MAKING MUSIC? The band’s lead guitarist, Anton Dimitrov (Tony Flo), is the main creative force that drives the band. The creative process is relatively straightforward: He composes most of the music (including all guitar and drum parts), while our two vocalists (Milko Dyulgerov and Borislava Yordanova) contribute with the vocal parts and the lyrics. The electronic backing tracks which play a vital role in the overall sound of the record are subsequently done by a world-renowned electronic music artist (Ivan Shopov – Cooh). WHAT DO YOU THINK WOULD BE THE COOLEST COLLABORATION PROJECT BETWEEN YOU AND ANOTHER ARTIST? Any collaboration with another musical entity which is based on mutual respect and understanding is cool. It shouldn’t necessarily be a high-profile artist. We are happy to collaborate with anyone we find common ground with. PLEASE TELL US A RANDOM FACT ABOUT YOURSELF. Our band name was supposed to be a different one, but it turned to be copyright-protected in some countries. We initially struggled to find another one, until it basically found us. We are thrilled with how things turned out though. WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN? Follow your dreams and don’t get discouraged by anything. IF YOU COULD CHANGE ANYTHING ABOUT THE INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I’d make it easier to be a musician. I’d change the industry in such a way that original music creators get more out of it so that they can continue making music. WHAT'S NEXT? More live shows, new audiences and we also strive to continue the story of our album hero in a new record which will hopefully come out in the future. PLEASE ADD ANY SOCIALS SO WE CAN SHARE Check out all our links here: https://linktr.ee/mogaband Be sure to give us a listen and consider following, subscribing or supporting us on bandcamp or by buying our official merch (DM us if you’d like to buy something). You can find us on: Instagram: https://instagram.com/mogaband Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoGaMusicBand Bandcamp: https://mogamusicband.bandcamp.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2KALXNVkGU4DBgoyo6C836 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrxOH9EmbKc6V-yo-ZS9CIA

Renowned singer-songwriter Beth Hart has unveiled a deeply personal new song, "Little Heartbreak Girl," available now on all streaming platforms, alongside a powerful lyric video featuring exclusive footage of Hart in the studio. Produced by the legendary Kevin Shirley and recorded in the musical heart of Nashville, TN, this track stands as a beacon of Hart's resilience and her boundless gratitude for the unwavering support from her fans during recent challenges. The release of "Little Heartbreak Girl" follows a period of introspection and recovery for Hart. While facing personal mental health challenges, she has chosen to channel her experiences into her music, offering solace and strength to those who listen. Hart's decision to share this song is a powerful reminder of music's ability to heal and unite us, especially in the most difficult times. "I’m so grateful for the unwavering support you've shown me during the challenging times I've faced over the last several months,” Beth shares. “I really want to give something in return, which is why I decided to share 'Little Heartbreak Girl,' a song I recorded in Nashville last year. It's dedicated to everyone who stood by my side through it all, including all of you guys! Your love and understanding mean the world to me." "Little Heartbreak Girl" emerges not only as a testament to Hart's incredible artistry but also as an offering of appreciation to her fans. The song's rich, emotive lyrics and Hart's powerful vocals create an intimate musical experience that resonates with the spirit of perseverance and hope. With a career marked by critical acclaim and countless accolades, Beth Hart has solidified her place as one of the most influential and heartfelt voices in music today. Her journey, marked by both triumphs and trials, reflects her relentless dedication to her craft and her fans. Hart's music, infused with her raw, soulful energy, has captivated audiences worldwide, earning her top spots on the Billboard Blues charts and performances at iconic venues like Nashville's Ryman Auditorium and London's Royal Albert Hall. Beth Hart's indomitable spirit shines through in "Little Heartbreak Girl," a song that not only highlights her vocal prowess and songwriting skills but also her resilience and gratitude. As Hart continues to navigate her journey with grace and courage, "Little Heartbreak Girl" serves as a heartfelt gift to her fans — a token of appreciation for their constant support and understanding.