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Slow Green Thing, hailing from Dresden, Saxony, is a band well-versed in the art of Stoner/Doom music, with a substantial following both locally and beyond. Our music is deeply rooted in the gritty essence of '70s hard rock, paying homage to the era's heavy metal pioneers while primarily focusing on Stoner-Rock and Doom-Metal. Our sound is characterized by its psychedelic vocals and immersive jam sessions, creating a unique blend that has defined our musical journey. To date, we've released four full-length albums and an EP, proudly showcasing our evolving sound on stages adorned in green. The inception of Slow Green Thing was spearheaded by Sven in 2013, following the disbandment of his previous project, 'Burning Motors.' Driven by a desire to continue his musical expression, Sven sought not just bandmates, but comrades who shared a deep passion for music and a knack for creating grooves that resonate. Our lineup has experienced changes over the years, with each member leaving an indelible mark on our sound. From Kay's thunderous bass to Andreas' captivating solos, and the rhythmic backbone provided by Jörg's drumming alongside Sven's evocative vocals, our band has been a testament to growth and adaptation. The current ensemble, featuring Martin on bass, Dave on lead guitar, and Jörg on drums, alongside Sven, represents a blend of past influences and new dynamics. We're committed to pushing the boundaries of our genre, celebrating our musical heritage while eagerly exploring new horizons. TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST ALBUM OR SINGLE Our latest album represents a significant evolution in our sound, blending the heavy, riff-driven roots of Stoner and Doom Metal with a fresh, experimental approach. Building on our deep appreciation for '70s hard rock and modern metal nuances, we've crafted songs that embody our journey and growth as a band. This record is particularly special to us because it's the first one we've created with our current lineup, and it was entirely self-produced, giving us the freedom to explore and experiment with our sound more deeply than ever before. Each track is infused with our collective experiences, inspirations from the music legends we admire, and our personal reflections on life's complexities. We've aimed to create a sound that's not just a nod to our influences but also a unique narrative journey for our listeners. Expect heavy, enveloping tunes that are unmistakably alive and kick-ass, designed to resonate deeply with fans old and new. We believe this album showcases the best of SLOW GREEN THING so far, and we're eager for our fans to dive into this new chapter with us. WHICH SONG WOULD YOU SAY SUMS UP YOUR SOUND THE BEST? If we had to pick one song that encapsulates our sound best, it would be 'Whispering Voices' from our latest record. This track is a vibrant showcase of our evolution, blending the gritty essence of Stoner and Doom Metal with our unique flair for melody and rhythm. It stands out for its dynamic arrangement and the way it incorporates both the heavy, riff-driven backbone of our music with experimental elements that push the boundaries of our genre. 'Whispering Voices' also highlights our venture into more complex rhythms and riffs, thanks to the fresh ideas brought in by our new lead guitarist, Dave. Sven's vocal performance on this track is particularly noteworthy, as it diverges from his usual style, adding a new layer of depth to our sound. Overall, this song is a microcosm of what SLOW GREEN THING is all about: heavy, enveloping tunes that are not just a nod to our roots but also a step into new territories, reflecting our journey as a band and our aspirations for the future. DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC IN A FEW WORDS. Our music is a heavy, immersive blend of Stoner and Doom Metal, enriched with a '70s hard rock vibe and modern, experimental twists. It's soul-stirring, groove-laden, and riff-driven, crafted to resonate deeply with listeners. WHO HAVE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES BEEN? Our biggest influences span the giants of '70s hard rock and the pillars of Stoner and Doom Metal. Bands like Black Sabbath have been foundational for us, embodying the heavy, riff-driven essence we adore. Led Zeppelin's innovation, Tool's introspective complexity, and Metallica's raw energy have also been crucial in shaping our sound. Additionally, we draw inspiration from the beauty and depth of bands like Alice in Chains. Each of these influences guides us in exploring the rich landscapes of heavy music, infusing our songs with a blend of nostalgia and new, experimental directions. HOW DID YOU GET INTO MUSIC? Our journey into music started from a shared passion for the raw energy and immersive soundscapes of rock and metal. For each of us, it began in our formative years, finding solace and inspiration in the depth and complexity of bands like and love. This early exposure led us to pick up instruments, initially experimenting in basements and makeshift studios, driven by a desire to create something of our own within the genres that had captivated us. Over time, our individual paths converged, united by a deep-rooted love for Stoner and Doom Metal, and the rest, as they say, is history. Our band, SLOW GREEN THING, is the culmination of this journey, a testament to our evolution as musicians and the unbreakable bond we've forged through our shared love for heavy, enveloping tunes. WHAT IS THE CREATIVE PROCESS LIKE FOR YOU WHEN MAKING MUSIC? Our creative process typically starts with a spark from one of us, often Sven or Dave, who comes up with a basic riff or melody idea. From there, we dive into jam sessions, allowing these initial ideas to evolve organically. It's a collaborative effort where everyone contributes, bringing their own influences and inspirations to the table. This process is not just about crafting our songs but also about maintaining the dynamic and cohesive bond we share as a band. It’s a blend of structured planning and spontaneous creation, powered by our mutual respect for each other’s artistic input and the shared goal of pushing our sound forward. Booze and weed might inspire us initially, but it's the daily grind and life's challenges that truly fuel our creativity, leading us to explore new rhythms, riffs, and themes that resonate with our experiences and aspirations. WHAT DO YOU THINK WOULD BE THE COOLEST COLLABORATION PROJECT BETWEEN YOU AND ANOTHER ARTIST? A cool project for us would be putting together a split EP or album with some other bands in the scene, you know, without dropping any specific names. Think about it: each band brings a couple of tracks to the table, showcasing what they do best. This way, fans get a mix of styles and sounds, all in one place. It’s like a musical potluck where everyone contributes something unique and we all end up with a feast of Stoner and Doom Metal. Plus, it's a great way to support each other, share our fanbases, and maybe even experiment with some cross-band collaborations on a track or two. Imagine the vibes and new sounds we could explore by mixing it up with artists who are into the same kind of heavy, groovy tunes we are. It would be rad to see what comes out of a project like this, bringing the community together and creating something new and exciting. PLEASE TELL US A RANDOM FACT ABOUT YOURSELF. Jörg: I originally come from a former USSR state, but have spent more than half of my life in East Germany. This unique blend of cultural and musical influences from my early life in the USSR, combined with the rich rock and metal scene I discovered later in Dresden, has deeply shaped my musical taste and approach. It's like carrying a piece of two very different worlds within me, which adds an interesting layer to the music we create. WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN? Jörg: Only trust yourself IF YOU COULD CHANGE ANYTHING ABOUT THE INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE? If we could change one thing about the music industry, it would be the way streaming platforms operate and compensate artists. These platforms offer incredible reach, but the current compensation model heavily favors the most popular artists, leaving smaller, independent acts struggling to earn what they deserve. We'd advocate for a fairer revenue distribution system that ensures artists are paid equitably based on actual listening time. Such a change would support the diverse and rich music scenes that thrive on the creativity and hard work of lesser-known artists, making it more sustainable for bands like us to continue producing the music we're passionate about. WHAT'S NEXT? We're always brewing with new ideas and are currently deep in the process of crafting our next album. Building on the momentum from our recent work, we're exploring fresh sounds and pushing our musical boundaries even further. This next project is about refining our blend of Stoner and Doom Metal, incorporating new influences, and experimenting with song structures and arrangements that challenge us as musicians. We're excited about the direction we're heading and can't wait to share the new material with our fans. Alongside the album, we're planning more quality shows and looking to hit more festivals to bring our music to as many people as possible. It's all about keeping the music alive, staying creative, and connecting with our audience in new and meaningful ways. PLEASE ADD ANY SOCIALS SO WE CAN SHARE https://slowgreenthing.de/ http://slowgreenthing.bandcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/SlowGreenThing https://www.instagram.com/slowgreenthingband/ http://www.youtube.com/SlowGreenThing

“This is no ordinary band. Their songs are written with insight and come from a place of authenticity and meaning.” – Rock & Blues Muse “Bywater Call - a masterclass in live performance." – Jace Media Music Photo by Erin Cosentino On Monday 4th March, Canadian roots, rock, and soul band Bywater Call are excited to release HOLLER, their first single of 2024. The single coincides with the news of the band’s October 2024 Headline UK Tour. Planet Rock will start a 48-hour ticket pre-sale at 10am GMT on Monday March 4 via Planetrock.com. Tickets go on general sale 10am on Wednesday March 6 at The Gig Cartel. A vivacious, delta blues-based stomper, Holler, is available on all streaming platforms. “Lyrically and musically, Holler embodies seedy motel rooms, dirty little secrets, and a woman who knows what she wants, unashamedly and without apology,” says Bywater Call’s lead singer, Meghan Parnell. “The song embraces uninhibited passion.” From guitarist Dave Barnes’ haunting first notes on resonator guitar, alongside Meghan’s low-fi, high-quality serenade, all the way through to the climax, this song is an infectious blend of catchy melodies, pulsating beats, and powerful, soaring vocals. Holler was recorded and mixed by Bywater drummer Bruce McCarthy at his studio. The BeatFarm in Toronto, Canada. The new single follows the 2023 releases of singles Sweet Maria and For All We Know, which received rave reviews from UK, Europe, and North America. Sweet Maria, an uplifting New Orleans romp, and For All We Know, a rootsy hymn of redemption and self-recognition, along with Holler will appear on Bywater Call’s highly anticipated forthcoming third studio album, set to be released worldwide Summer 2024. Often transcending genres, Bywater Call is known for their dynamic, emotional live shows, featuring powerful vocals and exciting interplay between all band members. Bywater Call’s music is an exploration of life’s highs and lows. From intimate ballads that lay bare the complexities of human emotion to electrifying anthems that demand to be played at full volume. Their catalogue is a journey through human experience, incorporating influences from The Band, The Wood Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Otis Redding, Little Feat, Sly and the Family Stone, among others. PLANET ROCK 48-HOUR TICKET PRE-SALE STARTS 10AM MONDAY 4TH MARCH 2024 VIA PLANETROCK.COM TICKETS ON GENERAL SALE: WEDNESDAY 6TH MARCH VIA THE GIG CARTEL, TICKET SOURCE, BYWATER CALL BYWATER CALL OCTOBER 2024 UK TOUR PLANET ROCK 48-HOUR TICKET PRE-SALE STARTS 10AM MONDAY 4TH MARCH 2024 VIA PLANETROCK.COM TICKETS ON GENERAL SALE: WEDNESDAY 6TH MARCH FROM THE GIG CARTEL, TICKET SOURCE, BYWATER CALL MANCHESTER, ACADEMY 3 WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2024 TICKETS: THE GIG CARTEL CARDIFF, GLOBE THURSDAY 17 OCTOBER 2024 TICKETS: THE GIG CARTEL LEEK, FOXLOWE ARTS FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER 2024 TICKETS: THE GIG CARTEL LEEDS, BRUDENELL SATURDAY 19 OCTOBER 2024 TICKETS: THE GIG CARTEL GLASGOW, ORAN MOR SUNDAY 20 OCTOBER 2024 TICKETS: THE GIG CARTEL NEWCASTLE, THE CLUNY TUESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2024 TICKETS: THE GIG CARTEL SHEFFIELD, CORPORATION WEDNESDAY 23 OCTOBER 2024 TICKETS: THE GIG CARTEL NORWICH, WATERFRONT STUDIOS THURSDAY 24 OCTOBER 2024 TICKETS: THE GIG CARTEL LONDON, DINGWALLS FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER 2024 TICKETS: THE GIG CARTEL NEWBURY, ARLINGTON ARTS SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER 2024 TICKETS: THE GIG CARTEL SITTINGBOURNE, BOURNE MUSIC CLUB SUNDAY 27 OCTOBER 2024 TICKETS: TICKET SOURCE USA/CANADA SPRING TOUR 23-February Burlington, IA The Washington 24-February Forest Park, IL Robert’s Westside 25-February St Paul, MN KJ’s Hideaway 27-February Sioux City, IA Vangarde Arts 28-February Lincoln, NE Zoo Bar 1-March Omaha, NE The Waiting Room 2-March Kansas City, MO Knucklehead’s 22-March Leduc, AB, Canada Maclab Centre 23-March Camrose, AB, Canada Bailey Theatre 30-March Erin, ON, Canada The Busholme 1-April Syracuse, NY The 443 Social Club & Lounge 2-April Pittsburgh, PA Hard Rock 3-April Washington, DC The Hamilton 4-April Charlotte, NC Middle C 5-April Jacksonville, FL Springing the Blues 6-April Coca Beach, FL Heidi 7-April Boca Raton, FL The Funky Biscuit 11-April Orlando, FL Judson’s Live 12-April Tampa Bay, FL Tampa Bay Blues Festival 13-April Bonita Springs, FL Valencia Bonita EUROPEAN SPRING TOUR 2024 18-April Östersund, Sweden Studioscenen 19-April Piteå, Sweden Studio Acusticum 20-April Luleå, Sweden Kulturens hus 22-April Stockholm, Sweden Melodybox 23-April Näsby, Sweden Carla's Café 24-April Malmö, Sweden Folk å Rock 25-April Kristianstad, Sweden Kulturkvarteret 26-April Falkenberg, Sweden Tryckhallen 27-April Joldelund, Germany Gerd's Juke Joint 28-April Joldelund, Germany Gerd's Juke Joint / duo show 30-April Norderstedt, Germany Music Star 1-May Bremen, Germany Meisenfrei 2-May Leiden, Netherlands Qbus 3-May Weert, Netherlands Moulin Blues 4-May Dortmund, Germany Musiktheater Piano 5-May Assen, Netherlands Bevrijdings Festival 7-May Burglengenfeld, Germany VAZ 8-May Zwickau, Germany St Barbara 9-May Eppstein, Germany Wunderbar 10-May Kufstein, Austria KuFa 11-May Ludwigshafen, Germany DasHaus 12-May Krefeld, Germany Kulturrampe 14-May Madrid, Spain El Sol 15-May Jerez, Spain La Guarida Del Angel 16-May Castellon, Spain Sala Because 17-May Valencia, Spain Loco Club 18-May Peer Belgium Blues Peer Festival 19-May Schöppingen Germany Grolsch Blues Festival 21-May Santander, Spain Sala Niagara 22-May Bilbao, Spain Antzokia 23-May A Coruña, Spain Sala Mardi Gras 24-May Aviles, Spain Niemeyer 25-May Vallés Spain Bocanegra 26-May San Sebastian, Spain Dabadaba SPRING/ SUMMER USA/CANADA TOUR 2024 22-June Hughesville, PA Billtown Blues Festival 2-August Pomeroy, OH Big Bend Blues Bash 4-August Knoxville, TN Tennessee Riverboat 7-September Drumheller, AB, Canada Badlands Roots, Blues and BBQ EUROPE FALL TOUR 2024 2-October Verviers, Belgium Spirit of 66 3-October Heilbronn, Germany Waldhaus 4-October Zaandam, Netherlands De Flux 5-October Enschede, Netherlands Mystiek Theatre 6-October Weert, Netherlands De Bosuil 8-October Fulda, Germany Kulturkeller 9-October Utrecht, Netherlands Tivoli (Cloud 9) 10-October Herent, Belgium GC De Wildeman 11-October Isernhagen, Germany Blues Garage 12-October Assen, Netherlands New Blues Festival 13-October Bonn, Germany Harmonie ABOUT BYWATER CALL Meghan Parnell (vocals) and Dave Barnes (guitar) are the founding members of Bywater Call, a powerhouse seven-piece Southern soul, roots rock band from Toronto, Canada. The band also features Bruce McCarthy (drums), Mike Meusel (bass), John Kervin (keyboards), Stephen Dyte (trumpet), and Julian Nalli (tenor sax). Bywater Call has received multiple Independent Blues and Maple Blues Award nominations including Entertainer, Electric Act and Best Female Vocalist for the 2024 Awards Season. They have toured extensively in Europe where shows have been praised by Dutch, German, and UK media, with references to Meghan as one of the best female voices in blues and roots today. In August 2023, the band participated in Joe Bonamassa’s third Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Mediterranean Cruise alongside headliners Blackberry Smoke and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. They were invited to perform at the All-Star Jam on the mainstage with Bonamassa himself. Guitarist Dave Barnes was also asked to join legendary blues artist Jimmy Vivino (Conan O’Brien’s Basic Cable Band) on stage. Bywater Call have commanded festival stages in Canada and around the world, often referred to as the “find of the fest”. In May of 2023, they opened for Canadian Award-winning band Whitehorse at the inaugural Smokestack Music Festival in Hamilton, Ontario. In July, Meghan joined renowned pedal-steel guitarist Robert Randolph on stage at his request, at the Briggs Farm Festival in Nescopeck, PA. On October 24, 2023, Bywater performed a live stream performance on the German TV show and festival Rockpalast. In 2023, the band played a total of 96 shows in 10 countries, 89 Cities, 19 US States and 3 Canadian Provinces. This is not including a month-long duo tour in Europe and the UK where Meghan and Dave opened for Southern California rockers Robert Jon & The Wreck, who have recently partnered with Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records.

Planet Rock Presents Blues Power Live 29th February 2024 On a cold a rainy February night, what better way to spend an evening in The Smoke than to have an show filled with some of the best modern blues music. Planet Rock Presents Blues Power is back and is the hottest ticket in town. Packed into the iconic Dingwalls venue in Camden, you certainly got value for money as you'd get three terrific acts on the ticket tonight. Young blues icon in the making Toby Lee put on another strong set. He’s still only 18 and even Joe Bonamassa rates him as the future of blues music. With tracks like 'Fever' in his armoury he’s in good stead to do just that. Toby is on tour with Jools Holland and his own band throughout the year and it's certainly worth catching him and on the road. Foul mouthed and ladened with dark humour, Ian Siegal follows up. "Every time I’m at Dingwalls I get into a fight at the bar!" jokes Ian - although we're not entirely sure if he actually is. Thankfully there were no fisty cuffs today, - just plenty of percussive guitar playing after busting a string and waiting for another guitarist to lend him a one to finish his set. There's plenty of witty banter, along with clever songs from his "favourite song-writer" himself! A rousing set from the man who seems unphased by anything. He’s apparently available for children’s parties too - how rocking would that be! Headlining is the award winning Elles Bailey. The musician and Planet Rock radio presenter already has three albums under her belt and is making an impact on the blues scene with her infectious brand of blues/country rock. 'The Game' launches Elles set with a gutsy riff from her band and an uptempo chorus gets this blues party rocking to another level. A mix of blues and country is on offer tonight. Elles is dressed in a cowboy hat and glittery cowboy boots; it’s this fusion and expansion into all things Americana that have made a rising star of the scene. She won Artist and Live Act Of The Year at the prestigious UK Americana Awards 2023 and at The UK Blues Awards came home with Artist Of The Year, Vocalist Of The Year, and Album Of The Year for  'Shining in the Half Light' . A Love song to blues music and Muscle Shoals, the slow groove of ‘Perfect Storm’, her favourite track on the 'Wildfire' album, soon follows. Fan favourites 'Cheats and Liars' and ''Who's That' from 'Shining' don't appear, but fear not, we get 'Help Somebody', 'What's The Matter With You' and the groovy blues tones of 'Medicine Man' from her back catalogue. New track - 'If This Is Love' makes an appearence on the setlist. Elles is nervous about performing the track as the band haven't rehearsed it and just decided to write the set list with Ian Siegal in the pub earlier (how rock and roll!). The audience were right behind her, and you'd never have known that she wasn't use to performing the song. As expected it's another terrific track to add to Elles repertoir and it's a delight to have her perform some new music for us too. She jokes, if you've not been to an Elles Bailey show before ," you come and see the show and the mistakes are free." If there were any mistakes, there were none that us mere mortals were aware of. The show was flawless. Elles is an energetic, powerful and genuinley likeable performer and really relishes being close to an audience and interacting with them. You can tell how the crowd really warm to her as an artist and presenter - there are no pretensions or ego here, it's all about having a great time and all about the music. Her band deserves a mention and help crank up the energy. Backing singer and musician Demi Marriner also has her own album out (Things We Didn't Say). Elles is a self-confessed fan of Rival Sons and another spontaneous track of the evening - a cover of 'Jordan'. Another cover, this time from CCR 'As Long As I Can See The Light' and 'Sunshine City' round off an extraordinary evening. An absolutely top notch night of some of the best blues around, there was really something for everyone. Review Cathy Clark Photos Gerry Driver

There's a misconception that huge, stadium-filling artists have loads of number-one singles. Well, the pop charts are a funny animal, so we're here to namecheck several acts that have amazingly never had a UK Number One! Bon Jovi The New Jersey band have had plenty of air-grabbing hits - 38 in the top 75! Sadly they are still living on a prayer and yet to score that number one spot! Janet Jackson Janet Jackson's career spans 4 decades and she's a huge star. she even boasts 17 Top 10 singles, but she's never reached the top of the UK chart. Shania Twain You must be joking right? Sorry nope. It doesn't impress us much that the Queen of Country cross-over has never scored a number one - she's actually never got higher than number 3! Depeche Mode Pioneers of synth-pop, Depeche Mode have had an amazing 42 Top 40 singles, but they've never got about number 4. Tina Turner The undisputed Queen of Rock and Roll has sold over 100 million records and won 12 Grammy Awards. (8 competitive). During her Break Every Rule World Tour in 1988, she set a then-Guinness World Record for the largest paying audience (180,000) for a solo performer. Sadly she never reached the top spot in the UK, but she's still simply the best! The Who The Who have reached the top of the album charts in 1971 with Who's Next, but they have never reached the number one spot. The closest they've come is My Generation (1965) and I'm A Boy (1966) which reached #2. My Generation was kept off the top by The Seekers track The Carnival is Over and I'm A Boy was stopped by Jim Reeves and Distant Drums. The Smiths The Smiths were 80s icos, but they never managed to score a UK #1. They had 3 top 10 singles, so they were close, but no cigar. Mary J Blige Mary J Blige has released some terrific songs, but never got higher than number 2 when she ironically released One with U2 in 2006. Glee Between 2009 and 2015 the cast of the American TV series seemed to cover everything! They began with Don’t Stop Believing and went on to record Thong Song, Gold Digger and Like A Prayer, but never managed a number one. Bob Marley Bob Marley is a legend and the best-selling reggae artist of all time. His music has spent 174 weeks in the top 75, but never at the top.

This week The Zutons tease us with their new music from their first album in 16 years, country artist Jessica Lynn adds some Latin flavours to her new track and The Georgia Thunderbolts give us an optimistic outlook for the future. The Zutons - 'Pauline' The Zutons are today sharing 'Pauline', a new track taken from their forthcoming album The Big Decider, out 26th April. As the album's lead single 'Creeping On The Dancefloor' continues to make an impact on UK radio - with playlisting at BBC Radio 2 and Absolute, a Record of The Week slot at Radio X, and spins across BBC 6 Music and Virgin - 'Pauline' arrives flanked by breezy sun-kissed melodies and an earworm saxophone riff. Lead singer and guitarist Dave McCabe says: “We went to Palm Springs for a band holiday a few years ago. We had mushrooms and it was one of the best days of my life. I wrote the song a few months later. Pauline was the first song we worked on for the album as a band, so it gave us momentum. I was listening to a lot of Hot Chocolate at the time I wrote it, and I think that shows. It’s been going down great on the tour, it’s already a live favourite in the set, it’s always great to get that feedback from an audience, that’s when you know you’re on to a winner.” Jessica Lynn - 'Shame' Full of Latin sass, native New Yorker Jessica Lynn continues to confound any attempt to pigeonhole her or her music. Famed as an exciting, modern country crossover star, with roof-raising energy and live showmanship, Jessica has triumphantly extended her range, sound and songwriting, rising well above the picket fences of genre. Pop, rock, country roots and soul: Jessica Lynn works each and all into her music, and has been weaving more of her musical loves and influences into her new material. Now, with her brand-new single, ‘Shame’ Jessica swirls forward into a whole new territory, with this Latin-inspired track: one which Jessica co-wrote with UK-based award-winning songwriter Rachel Walker Mason. “My whole career has been centered around being different,” says Jessica,  “Also, around making music that I enjoy making rather than trying to fit into a box. “Growing up, I was heavily inspired by Latin artists and sounds.  When I was a child, I wore out Gloria Estefan’s ‘Greatest Hits’ record and Selena’s ‘Dreaming of You’ from practicing my singing and performing to them every day. I always connected with Selena’s story, having my own family band and because my path has been very similar to hers in many ways. When I sat down in the co-writing session with Rachel, she had the initial idea, then the song formed incredibly quickly, with us both being so excited about it.  I knew it was one I had to release this year!” It’s a track to give a vibrant buzz to your day. Check out ‘Shame’- now available on all digital platforms It’d be a shame if you didn’t. Website: https://www.jessicalynnmusic.org/home The Georgia Thunderbolts - 'Rise Above It All' In an empowering return, The Georgia Thunderbolts have unveiled their latest single, "Rise Above It All," out today on all digital platforms. This new anthem, steeped in the band's signature blend of rock and roll, Southern rock, Americana, Rock Country, and raw, heartfelt energy, serves as an early taste of their eagerly awaited new studio album, due out this fall. "Alone we can do wonderful things. Together? We can reach immeasurable bounds,” comments vocalist TJ Lyle. “Be kind. Be courageous and even in the darkest of nights, always chase the light! There’s no limit to what we can achieve. Together we can and we will rise above it all." This release follows the band's debut album, which has quietly become a sensation, amassing over 6 million streams worldwide. The Georgia Thunderbolts continue to forge their path in the music industry, blending timeless rock influences with their unique flair, as praised by critics and fans alike. Described as "timeless," "quintessential," and "the real deal" by esteemed publications such as Rolling Stone Country, Classic Rock, American Songwriter, Art Voice, and Music Matters Magazine, the band has solidified its place as the torchbearers of Southern rock. The release follows the band’s most recent single “Gonna Shine” and an accompanying music video directed by Jim Arbogast.

Nadine Shah's fifth album begins with a discordant klaxon-like chord alongside equally jagged and unsettling soundscapes: we are immersed in the world of 'Filthy Underneath.' It's not supposed to be a comfortable ride. The album is born from a world of despair and grief - namely Shah's divorce, the death of her mother following cancer and her spiral into depression, rehab and attempted suicide. This album is as beautifully raw as it gets as Shah's vocal undulates between ethereal high notes and a Cri du Coeur. At times it feels painfully intrusive at other times trippy and the epitome of cool as Ben Hiller's co-writing a production creates a lilting and sexy tapestry of electro sounds. like the hypnotic Grace Jones rhythm on 'You Drive, I Shoot' or the sensual drum beats of 'Greatest Dancer'. The simplicity of the closer 'French Exit' - the track that deals with Shah's suicide attempt, has the beauty of a Depeche Mode track with Shah's numb vocals it's a truly chilling song about just wanting to fade out quietly. This is an album that is so rooted in personal emotion that it's rewarding simply because it's beautifully exposing and candid. It's a privilege to listen and that she rewards our trust with such candid self-expression.

It's been 19 years since Iron Maiden frontman and all-round polymath, Bruce Dickinson released his last solo album. To be fair he's had quite a bit on including fighting and beating cancer, brewing beer, flying planes and keeping the good ship Maiden propped up. Even so this pilot needed another solo voyage, but it was always something he had on the boil. Iron Maiden have flirted with conceptual albums before: Seventh Son, The Book of Souls along with increasingly grandiose stage productions and musical arrangements (that song from Book of souls), so it's not surprising that The Mandrake Project is filled with similar flourishes. I should point out that The Mandrake Project isn't actually a conceptual piece of work despite the videos that have been released. At its very loosest The Mandrake Project represents a battle between religion,  ancient mysticism and the occult in a battle to gain immortality. If you go scratching for links between the songs, you'll probably find some, but it was never engineered that way. With the comic books that will accompany the album, it's part of a wider concatenation from the singer. From Faustian pacts to vampires and drawing on literature for inspiration the album pulls us in with 'Afterglow of Ragnarök', it has the feel of a NWOBHM track, but the rest of the album is a welcome departure from what we are used to. It has more in common with The Chemical Wedding tonally, but it allows Dickinson the flexibility to play and the freedom to delve into darker tones and experiment vocally. You'll hear him strum a guitar and play the bongos on 'Resurrection Man' and even leave the air raid siren behind on 'Face in the Mirror.’ There’s also plenty of piano underscoring tracks too, like the excellent deep cut 'Finger in the Wound'. Maiden fans will notice 'Eternity Has Failed' appeared on the band's 2015 The Book of Souls album. This is a chance to hear the original version before Steve Harris and co repurposed it with a slightly more optimistic tone. Dickinson and Roy Z embellish the track with a choir and orchestral arrangements that result in the track being even more beefed up and tonally epic. The brooding ‘Shadow of the Gods’ also dates back to the early 00s - further proof that this album has been a long time in the making. The record gains momentum and feels that it grows into its skin the longer it goes on and continues it's experimental path of twists and turns. It's certainly an album full of musical variety and surprises. Album closer Sonata (Immortal Beloved) takes an intriguing progressive route, but sags midway due to Dickinson's disappointingly underconfident vocal and the lack of musical variety to make it truly progressive. The track does redeem itself in the closing minutes with Roy Z's majestic guitar solo. It's more of a 'To be Continued...' style interlude, rather than a full stop to an otherwise stonker of an album. 'The Mandrake Project' is an enchanting journey through a variety of musical soundscapes from a man who is creatively unpredictable. Dickinson feels like a man uncaged and his exuberance bursts from every track.  After nearly two decades in the making that The Mandrake Project' is ready to be unleashed.

Follow Me Dark is a four-piece independent rock band from Grass Valley, California. We make music in line with the alternative rock of yore - heavy-hitting, emotional, unpredictable, yet with a pop sensibility. TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST ALBUM OR SINGLE “Acid Desert” is the first single off our new concept album “Far From Any Shore”, produced by the band and Chris Tabarez. The video for it is kind of our take on Lord of the Rings, depicting this sweeping adventure. We filmed it in seven different locations around our hometown which is in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas. It’s got some scope. The full album will be dropping later this year and we are so proud of it - it is a true journey album in the tradition of the great records of the 70s, 80s and 90s. WHICH SONG WOULD YOU SAY SUMS UP YOUR SOUND THE BEST? “Acid Desert”, the new single, is a culmination of our efforts - it’s highly dynamic, building from a moody, bluesy verse and going into an almost Weezer-esque singalong climax, but, you know, the cool, depressing Weezer. It was our song “Lullaby” from 2022 that first indicated to us that we had found our cohesive sound, that drew in all these influences and wove them into something wholly unique and original. DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC IN A FEW WORDS. Haunting. Visceral. Cathartic. WHO HAVE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES BEEN? I think the four of us can agree on only a handful of bands - Deftones, Tool, Alice in Chains, maybe Smashing Pumpkins. There’s an undercurrent of post-rock - we love Mogwai and This Will Destroy You. I think lurking in the background is a lot of myriad influences ranging from prog rock, psychedelia, new wave, to doom metal and punk. HOW DID YOU GET INTO MUSIC? Of the four of us, Sean is the only one who actually started playing an instrument in his twenties, if I recall correctly. The rest of us, it was far earlier, and all of us are hardcore music fans, nerds, even. If you are someone who gets lost in records, who tracks down obscure b-sides from bands, we are your people. WHAT IS THE CREATIVE PROCESS LIKE FOR YOU WHEN MAKING MUSIC? It’s a beautiful thing because we operate as a true democracy, and everything we do happens on a unanimous basis. Elliott, Sean, and Stephen all write songs and contribute parts, and we throw them into the group hopper, twist and turn them, rearrange them, argue, and come out the other end with Follow Me Dark. Jim is that ‘x’ factor who can weigh in on whether something ultimately is working or if we are drunk on our own PR. WHAT DO YOU THINK WOULD BE THE COOLEST COLLABORATION PROJECT BETWEEN YOU AND ANOTHER ARTIST? Floater - if you’re listening - get at us! There are certain artists that we just respect deeply the niche they have carved, and the way they handle themselves. Or doing something orchestral with Mogwai. PLEASE TELL US A RANDOM FACT ABOUT YOURSELF. We all met through the common ground of a taphouse in Grass Valley, where Stephen and Elliott worked, Sean’s stepdad was a patron, and Jim’s best friend was the head chef. WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN? “Don’t try to be a great man, just be a man. Let history make its own judgments.” - That’s from the movie Star Trek: First Contact. IF YOU COULD CHANGE ANYTHING ABOUT THE INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE? The industry is responsive to the demands of the clientele, so ultimately we can’t blame the “industry” for anything. We should all look inward, and ask, what can we each do to better support the kind of art we enjoy and want to see more of? WHAT'S NEXT? Follow Me Dark is releasing a string of singles to support “Far From Any Shore” and planning live shows for the second half of this year! PLEASE ADD ANY SOCIALS SO WE CAN SHARE FB - https://www.facebook.com/followmedark/ IG - https://instagram.com/followmedark?igshid=1jux9pf20c6uw YT - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-pdXm3_7vcCZlFS4Nv6H-w X - https://x.com/followmedark Tik - https://tiktok.com/@followmedark

Schadenfreude is roughly translated as taking pleasure in witnessing the misfortunes of others. 'Broken' is an album filled with dark tales and troubles, but it's an endlessly pleasurable listen. To a certain degree blues music lends itself to tales of woes, but this album is different: it wears its scars proudly as it presents tales of struggles and triumph over them. It's beautifully heartfelt and rooted in a drive for hope despite its commentary on the human condition and the cracks in modern life. The title track pulls no punches. The raw duet between Beth Hart and Walter is like listening to the two musicians unpack their hearts and souls. It’s a brutal prayer that takes courage to perform. Both artists have been through the mill and happily lived to tell the tale. It's a stunning way to open the album. Will Wilde – the British Harmonica player dubbed by Walter as “the best harmonica player on the planet” struts his stuff on 'Bleed'. Dee Snider joins on 'I've Had Enough'. Midway through the track Dee barks “Come on Walter show me what you've got” before an explosive guitar solo – just one of many. This album boasts some of Walter's finest guitar work. Thirty-one albums into his career and he's still on fire! 'No Magic (on the street)' is filled with the kind of justifiable scepticism that typically comes with age. Still, it's also imbued with realism about modern life: “These days To be a hero, you’ve just got to stay alive make it through the madness and merely survive.” The album has clear perspectives and lyrical statements that ring out in your brain long after the guitar solos fade. Instrumental 'Love of My Life' has the vibe of Jeff Beck's 'Because We Ended as Lovers'. This softer side of Walter's music is also brought out again in the heartfelt 'I Wanna Stay'. Although the album's commentary might be downbeat the music and message are one of beauty and optimism. Walter says of the album “I always hold onto hope, that's why I wrote the album.” The message is clear - we might all be a little bit broken, but if we hold onto hope anything is possible.

Blackberry Smoke's eighth album is another consistent outing of country rock. 'Be Right Here' has the band once more writing strong melodies and solid southern rock Allman-style riffs. They've long been known for reviving the halcyon days of classic rock, and they continue to be committed to their mission on the album. If harking back to the 60s and 70s rock scene wasn't enough, there’s a peace and love vibe that weaves through the album giving it a laid-back poppy feel. There’s also a nostalgic element to the album, you can’t help feeling from tracks like ‘Hammer and the Nail’ and ‘ Like it Was Yesterday’ that the band are harking back to simpler times. Ballad ‘Barefoot Angel’ sums this up : “ man can show worry when life’s in a hurry .” ‘Dig a Hole’ sets the scene with a typically Blackberry Smoke style chorus and a country twang from vocalist Charlie Starr. ‘If I could be Lucky’ speaks of gratitude. 'Other Side of the Light' is a well-constructed country track about childhood fear of the dark, comfort and being optimistic. It’s a great metaphor for riding out the storm. 'Be Right Here' might not have many big gutsy riffs, or be a rollercoaster of southern rock. It's probably a tad schmaltzy in places as an album, but that’s exactly what we need: self-love, compassion for each other, and believing that better days are ahead.

I first saw Joanne Shaw Taylor in a blues tent at a festival nearly a decade ago. Back then there didn’t appear to be that many women breaking through the male-dominated blues barrier, so her set was well-received and memorable because it was refreshingly different and unpredictable: She had a distinctive vocal and her guitar licks were equally gritty as she attacked her fretboard with fervour. There was a nascent rawness to her performance that suited the sweltering, beer-soaked tent. Thankfully things have changed in the proceeding decade regarding female musicians getting more exposure. Joanna's performance has changed over the years too. This time at the Indigo her guitar work is more considered, but she still allows herself the space to let rip when the mood takes. Her smokey vocal has developed and is showcased here as she jumps from ballsy blues tracks like 'Diamonds in the Dirt' to the tender 'Fade Away' with ease. The two things that are unchanged is the fact that the floor is still soaked in beer and we are still in a giant tent. 'In the Mood' launches Joanna’s stellar set and should have done as the title suggests, yet the London crowd is still eerily reserved. New track 'Wild Love' continues the poppier trend of Joanna’s work under the production of Kevin Shirley. 'Won't Be Fooled Again' is another departure in sound, but it's an example of Joanna taking strides to put her own spin on things and play what the damn hell she likes. This time she wanted to write an 80s-style pop song (more Bonnie Raitt's 'Nick of Time' than Millie Vanilli she jokes - at least Joanna is thankfully singing her songs!) The result is certainly a catchy and upbeat track with those 80s overtones sans deely boppers and big 80s hair (if you want 80s cheese check out the excellent video.) This development in her style and sound also represents the freedom as an artist that she can cross genres rather than being rooted in a certain type of music. Even her older material is revisited with precision and a new gloss as she launches into 'Watch 'Em Burn' which features a blistering guitar solo that finally wakes the audience up and has them on their feet. Her album 'Heavy Soul' will be out later this year, but we get to hear another track - the terrifically catchy 'Sweet Little Lies' before the night rounds up. Who knows where the next chapter will take Joanne Shaw Taylor, but it's probably safe to say that regardless of whether it's blues, pop or rock she will continue to impress. Support comes from young blues troubadour, Connor Selby (read our interview with Connor HERE). The award-winning guitarist lives and breathes blues music with a bent towards the romantic and brooding blues numbers. For a musician influenced heavily by early blues innovators, there’s something fittingly about Connor sitting alone on the stage picking his guitar. He’s quite a reflective and serious young man, but this demeanour suits the music he plays and the stories he tells. His set closer, ‘Emily’ demonstrates his ability to rouse an audience with this uplifting number, this time performed alongside the band. He’s on the road with his band later in the year so be sure to catch him, he’s certainly worth plaudits.

In the 90s, Britpop icons Kula Shaker managed to bottle up psychedelia and have us all partying like it was 1967. For the first time since 1998, keyboard player Jay Darlington returns to re-unite the original line-up and get their groove on once more. There are protest songs and sitars galore as Crispian Mills and co continue their mix of Britpop sass and swagger with patchouli oil and a Kaftan coat. There sound is perhaps a little bit more dialed down than it was on K, but certainly no less psychadelic. 'Gaslighter' roars the album into life with the same Britpop angst but with the cynicism of mid-life. Laboni Barua contributes some beautiful vocals on 'Happy Birthday' and 'Chura Liya (You Stole My Heart) Which adds a cinematic vista to the album and sounds like something from a Spaghetti Western that Tarantino would have used. It's a return to form for a band that continue to expand their sound and our musical minds: far out!