Category Archives: News

Mickey Leigh’s Mutated Music Tackles Equal Rights In New Single/Video “Two Kinds Of Law”

Legendary NYC musician (Birdland, The Rattlers, etc) and acclaimed author (I Slept with Joey Ramone) Mickey Leigh is debuting “Two Kinds of Law” a powerful and timely new single with his band Mutated Music.

The track (inspired by a line in Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood and a quote from a Martin Luther King Jr. speech) and its newly-released music video are now streaming everywhere.

Stream “Two Kinds Of Law” on Spotify

Written & Produced by Mickey Leigh
Performed by Mickey Leigh’s Mutated Music:
Vox/Guitar – Mickey Leigh • Drums – Pat Carpenter • Bass/Vox – Westley Crawford

Of the new single, Mickey tells Spin, “Music is magical in so many ways. Rock n roll is one form of it that, magically, can be purely fun, but, at the same time can be a way to spread a message. And, aside from having a lot of fun with it, me and my fellow Mutated musicians think both are equally important – as long as it’s an important message.

The concept that there are “two kinds of law – one for the rich, and one for the poor,” is not exactly one that came about recently. I first heard those words many decades ago, in a book and film called “In Cold Blood”, and, though said in different words, in a speech by Martin Luther King Jr. I just, recently, felt compelled to write a song about it. Very compelled.

The importance of “equality” and “justice for all” has come to the forefront of our lives like never before. and, it’s a message that needs to be repeated …repeatedly. There aren’t many ways to repeat a message repeatedly without boring people to tears, aside from immersing it in a catchy chorus and irresistible rhythm.

About Mickey Leigh’s Mutated Music:

With the release of a slew of singles with his band Mutated Music, Mickey Leigh is taking steps. A longtime figure in the influential downtown New York City music scene, Mickey is no longer content with being in the shadows. He’s stepping into the spotlight with punk-pop-country-jazz and blues-infused tracks that tell stories of colorful rock and roll lives. “These are ‘The Stories That Never Got Told’, so they never got old,” states one of the key tracks. Of the heroine in “Little Cristine,” Mickey says “No. She ain’t no ten. She’s a number one.” His modernized, “mutated” reworking of the classic civil rights/social-awakening song “If I Had A Hammer” boldly blares the powerful message calling for “justice, freedom and love between our brothers and our sisters” which is perfect for these troubled, frenetic and divisive times.

As he explained in his 2009 autobiographical family memoir I Slept With Joey Ramone, Mickey is inspired by his love of the music of the ’60s. His life-long fever for rock & roll has never dampened, remains pure, and continues to fuel his drive to create great music. Mickey Leigh’s Mutated Music is brimming with tracks that have been called: “…instantly memorable, lyrically compelling, deceptively simple, hard-ass, life-loving songs full of emotional depth that deliver a punch far more intense than anyone could or would have expected…written with passion, played with precision, produced with perfection.” Mickey has been credited with “…the power-pop instincts of a Tom Petty and the street smarts of a Jim Carroll…not to mention a bit of The Who, Dylan, Springsteen and…Elvis.”

Starting his first group at age 10 in 1965, hitting the stage of CBGB in 1977 with Birdland, the band he formed with literary legend/music journalist Lester Bangs, Mickey is accustomed to having a front-row seat at musical revolutions. Replacing Lester on vocals, Birdland morphed into the prototype pop/punk band The Rattlers. His next band, STOP, saw 5 songs from their 1996 album ‘Never’ in rotation on BBC Radio. Mickey has continually been the recipient of favorable media coverage, credited with being “…one of those people who influenced successful bands but remained relatively unheralded himself.”

Mickey Leigh Online:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify

Featured photo (top) by Gregory Berg


Anthology of Emo: Volume 2 Available September 2020

Featuring interviews with Jim Adkins (Jimmy Eat World), Chris Conley (Saves the Day), Bob Nanna (Braid) and many more…

Author, podcaster, and music industry veteran Tom Mullen has announced a September 7, 2020 release date for Anthology of Emo Volume 2, the highly anticipated follow-up to 2017’s acclaimed Anthology of Emo Volume 1, which sold out in less than a year and garnered praise and coverage from the likes of Vice/Noisey, The New York Times, Brooklyn Vegan, Kerrang, UPROXX, Billboard, SiriusXM, Alternative Press and many more.

Volume 1 To Get 2nd Printing after a Sold Out First Run in 2017

Volume 1 will also be re-released in early September, the title’s first reprint in 3 years. The books are now available to pre-order separately or as a specially-priced bundle with a limited poster here.

“If there was a course called Emo 101, this book would be on the required reading list.”- Alternative Press on Anthology of Emo Volume 1.

Anthology of Emo Volume 2 continues what the first volume started, with interviews from heavyweights in the music genre including Jim Adkins (Jimmy Eat World), Chris Conley (Saves the Day), Bob Nanna (Braid), authors and scene veterans Trevor Kelley and Leslie Simon, and the final interview of emo scene legend, Jon Bunch (Sense Field) prior to his untimely death in 2017. The book includes rare photographs and printed ephemera, an introduction by Tom Mullen, and a forward by writer and author Luke O’Neil (Welcome to Hell World). Pre-order here.

Featuring Interviews With:

Interviewees
Interviewees featured in Anthology of Emo Vol. 2
| Click to Enlarge

About Anthology of Emo Volume 2

In 2017, after 100+ interviews with artists and those involved with the emo and hardcore scene for the critically acclaimed Washed Up Emo Podcast, Tom Mullen, on the 10th anniversary of WashedUpEmo.com, introduced Anthology of Emo. The book, selling out in less than a year, compiled the best stories from the podcast and features rare and unseen photos and ephemera. The follow-up, Volume 2, picks up where the previous book left off and features interviews, quotes, and more from key figures and veterans of the scene.

For a word that’s often misunderstood, the Anthology of Emo series is an informative companion and faithful guide to the genre of emo. Tom Mullen is a music industry executive and veteran podcaster. He’s spent time at Atlantic, Equal Vision, Vagrant, TVT, EMI and Sony, where he was a 2016 Clio and Cannes Lions winner for his work with Bob Dylan.

In 2007, he founded WashedUpEmo.com, a destination for the entire history of emo. The site and podcast has been featured in The New Yorker, AV Club, Pitchfork, The New York Times, Paste, Billboard, Spin, Village Voice, Stereogum, Chicago Reader, Noisey, and Brooklyn Vegan. In 2011, it expanded to a podcast and DJ night in NYC. In 2014, he launched IsThisBandEmo.com, a site helping the world understand which bands are emo or not with a smile and a wink.

A proud native of Vermont, he lives in Los Angeles and spends his free time documenting and archiving the emo genre for future generations. A now popular outlet, audio, proved fruitful almost instantly in 2011. The Washed Up Emo Podcast started after Tom realized a noticeable void of podcasts from the genre. Utilizing music industry connections and his background as a college radio DJ, it quickly snowballed with critical acclaim after a few episodes and now has over 1 million plays and continues to be the definitive podcast for the emo genre.

The never-ending mountain of guests over the almost decade of episodes have included Jawbreaker, The Promise Ring, Thursday, Taking Back Sunday, Piebald, The Get Up Kids, Jimmy Eat World, Mineral, and American Football. Now, after 170+ episodes, the Washed Up Emo Podcast still has one goal. To represent and document the entire history of emo for all fans of the genre.

Anthology of Emo/Tim Mullen Online:

www.AnthologyofEmo.com | www.WashedUpEmo.com


Less Than Jake Launches Lost At Home Sessions Volume 3

Ska punk luminaries Less Than Jake will be launching their third creative installment of Lost At Home Sessions. Volume Three “The Sit Around” goes on sale today at 12pm EST over at Bandcamp.

Less Than Jake Lost at Home
“The Sit Around” Cover Art

“I was ‘sitting around’ watching the news one day,” describes saxophonist and vocalist JR Wasilewski. “I thought about how me and my group of friends used to joke when we were kids working summer jobs, how awesome it would be to just be able to sit around all day and do nothing besides play video games and go to the beach without a care in the world. But when presented with that situation, everybody quickly realized how incredibly impossible it seemed to actually just sit around.”

The lyrics for “The Sit Around” were written by Wasilewski and it’s also the very first song that he sings the lead. “We’d been punting around the idea of me singing leads on a song for years,” Wasilewski explains. “To be frank, I always said no thanks. I felt (and still feel) Less Than Jake is most identifiable by those two voices (Chris and Roger). Adding a third voice beyond just a background vocal, to me, seems to mud up the waters. I like to sing, I just never saw myself as a lead vocalist.

We talked about it for this song and I said I’d entertain the idea of a lead vocal, mostly because this Lost At Home project is allowing us to test the waters creatively. It’s not a proper album, just songs composed during a strange time in history. I figured if there was ever a time for me to sing, why not now?”

Less Than Jake Prize Pack

Those who purchase the song at the current price will automatically be entered to win a prize pack (pictured above) that includes an old and rare glow-in-the-dark bobblehead and some out of print vinyl. Contest entries close on July 24th.

Proceeds Benefit Bread of the Mighty

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Bread of the Mighty Food Bank, a North Florida-based food bank that has been serving the community for over 32 years. They collect, sort, store and distribute donated food and basic essentials to over 190 non-profit agency partners such as food pantries, churches, homeless shelters and other organizations who then distribute food in their communities to directly feed the hungry. For every dollar donated, they can provide up to ten meals.


Continuing to play over 150 dates a year while also writing and recording new material has kept the band fresh in a time when “ska” has become something of a four letter word. The list of acts they have supported is staggering (Bon Jovi, Linkin Park, Snoop Dogg), while the list of bands that have supported them makes even the most hardened music industry veteran do a double take (Fall Out Boy, Paramore, Yellowcard). All the while the band has held firm to its punk rock roots and have managed to live through many musical trends simply by just being Less Than Jake.

With well over 300 releases on various labels under their belt, most would think their legacy is already in tact, but the status quo has never interested Less Than Jake. They continue to write and perform new material and have no thoughts of letting up. With the energy and exuberance of a band half its age and the determination of savvy veterans, there is seemingly no end point to this enduring and entertaining band.

Less Than Jake Is:

  • Chris DeMakes (vocals, guitar)
  • Roger Lima (vocals, bass)
  • Buddy Shaub (trombone)
  • Peter “JR” Wasilewski (saxophone)
  • Matt Yonker (drums)

Less Than Jake Online:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Featured photo (top) by Paris Visone


Failure Release Depeche Mode Cover “Enjoy The Silence” 

LOS ANGELES – Failure have released a newly recorded cover of the Depeche Mode classic, “Enjoy The Silence”. Listen here:

“We originally recorded a cover of ‘Enjoy The Silence’ for the 1998 Depeche Mode tribute, For The Masses,” says Ken Andrews. “That album has all but disappeared, no longer in print and not available via streaming platforms but we as a band are proud of our take on that song and had wanted to re-record it for some time. With the blessing of both Martin Gore and Depeche Mode, we re-addressed our version and came up with this new version for 2020.”

The digital single arrives at a time when Failure had been slated to perform a series of live residencies in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City. Those dates have since been cancelled due to COVID-19.

FAILURE 1992-1996 Preorder Available

Failure 1992-1996 Cover
FAILURE 1992–1996 Cover Art

The band is taking pre-orders here for FAILURE 1992-1996, a four-piece vinyl box set featuring the three ‘90s-era albums. With the original masters finally being unearthed, Comfort, Magnified, and Fantastic Planet have been meticulously restored, remixed, and remastered by Ken Andrews to a new level of sonic fidelity that eclipses all previous iterations of the band’s early work.

“Almost everything people have heard from these albums has been sourced from 16bit digital files made in the ‘90s, which was state of the art at the time,” explains Andrews. “But when we found out we were getting our hands on the original analog master tapes, and with all the confusion and lack of quality control on several of the previous iterations, we set out to create the definitive versions of Comfort, Magnified and Fantastic Planet. Everything has been sourced directly from first generation multitrack and stereo master tapes. This is us finally getting to present our early work the way we’ve always wanted to.”

In addition to all the originally released songs from the three albums, the band has discovered several unreleased songs which have also been restored and will be included in the box set.

“These new versions have all the magic from the originals, but now, instead of looking through a hazy pane of glass, the window has been completely opened and you can hear all the elements in their full glory,” explains drummer Kellii Scott.

“Listening to the b-sides and outtakes from that first year of being a band takes me right back to playing the tiny stage at Jabberjaw in Los Angeles,” adds bassist/guitarist Greg Edwards. “It’s always surprising to me how much of the expansiveness and atmosphere of the later records exist in embryonic form on those earliest stripped-down recordings.”

“Stuck On You” was recently remastered both visually and sonically,
and can be viewed here:

Failure Is:

  • Ken Andrews (Vocals, Guitar)
  • Greg Edwards (Bass, Guitar)
  • Kellii Scott (Drums)

Failure Online:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram


Featured photo (top) by Priscilla C. Scott



KID DAD New Single “LIMBO” Out Now

“Limbo” Cover Art

KID DAD’s new track “Limbo” is a song that deals with feeling unsafe, hassled, or even abused. As vocalist and guitarist Marius Vieth says, it’s about being “caught between uncertainty and fear, searching for something real to hold on to, in search of hope.”

The band has chosen to convey this in a music video that tells the story of a child trying to escape domestic violence. Part of what initiated this concept was the fact that, due to Covid-19 and the regulations put in place to battle the pandemic, there has been a surge in cases of domestic violence worldwide. Being trapped at home, a place that should be a haven of safety, can turn into a living hell for far too many people with the detection rate for young victims being shockingly low.

“Limbo” Music Video:

Stream “Limbo” here: https://orcd.co/kiddadlimbo

Band Announces ‘SAFE In A Box’ Campaign to Raise Awareness Around Child Abuse / Domestic Violence

Says the band: “We address feelings of isolation and entrapment on our debut album ‘In A Box’ and feel obliged to call attention to this situation. We want to raise awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence cases worldwide and encourage people to donate to SOS-Kinderdorf & NSPCC in order to support the work they are doing in preventing such violence and supporting victims.”

Kid Dad has set up a website with information, donation links and merch items with 100% of the proceeds to be donated, here: www.kid-dad.com/safeinabox.

"After a lot of research and brainstorming on how we can actually help, we decided to produce some small merch articles of which 100% of the proceeds will be donated to SOS Kinderdörfer and NSPCC. In addition to this we will pay 100% of the producing and shipping costs so every single cent you pay will find its way to the organizations.

We know we can’t change the world with this, but even if a single child will be helped, then this whole campaign will be worth it!If you have the means we deeply encourage you to make a donation directly to the organizations:

SOS Kinderdorf
NSPCC

Help us to make a change here: www.kid-dad.com/shop. Please notice that all the donation items are marked with a little house! Thank you so much, Marius, Max, Michael & Joshua

Debut Full-Length In A Box To Be Released August 21

In A Box Cover Art

“Limbo” was written on a trip Marius took to London in collaboration with Welsh singer-songwriter Sarah Howells (Bryde). In A Box was fueled by these songwriting trips to England, as well as to China and Switzerland, and much time spent in Berlin. Regarding the experience of recording the album over a prolonged period of time, Marius says “I really enjoyed working with so many different setups. You absorb everything when you’re young – I want to take advantage of that.

In A Box will be released 21 August via Long Branch Records. KID DAD hail from Paderborn in Germany and have played shows across the continent with the likes of Taking Back Sunday, Marmozets and Fatherson.


Kid Dad is:

  • Maximilian Alexander Zdunek (Bass/Backing Vocals)
  • Marius Vieth (Vocals/Guitar)
  • Michael “Michi” Reihle (Drums)
  • Joshua “Yoshi” Meinert (Guitar)

Kid Dad Online

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Featured photo (top) by Max Zdunek

Remembering the Power of Peachcake — In Loving Memory of Stefan Pruett (aka The Guidance)

Just two days after sharing the Tommie Sunshine & MureKian Remix of his track “Overs”, The Guidance – properly known as Stefan Pruett – was found to have passed away peacefully overnight. Pruett was open about his lifelong heart condition — his pacemaker, his three open-heart surgeries, and one closed-heart surgery. He was formerly the lead vocalist of Phoenix electro pop group Peachcake, which was founded by him and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist John O’Keefe, who was most identifiable as the keytar player.

Nothing could have prepared me for the first time I was exposed to Peachcake. Considering the line-up, it was likely the May 18, 2005 “Suicide Prevention Show” at now-defuct Tempe, Arizona venue The Clubhouse; this would have made me 18 years old when I was introduced to them. I had ventured out to catch a band named My Darling Murder, after drummer Elias Mallin reached out to me on Myspace and sold me a ticket. MDM was influenced by industrial music  — I recall Mallin (formerly of Opiate for the Masses) mentioning Nine Inch Nails in particular while chatting it up with him at The Graffiti Shop off of Mill Ave.

Peachcake was absolutely nothing like MDM whatsoever, and how these two acts were included in the same line-up that night is beyond me (probably the theme of the night), but in some odd way it worked. At this point in my life, I was still developing my identity and beginning to cross from goth into raver culture; you can thank my introduction to the movie Party Monster and the frequent spillover between cultures in the widely spread and yet surprisingly small city of Phoenix.

ca. 2005 Stefan Pruett (Vocalist, Percussion), Peachcake
Photography:
Katherine Amy Vega © All Rights Reserved
Click to Enlarge

Peachcake brought mammoth-sized energy and a psychedelic atmosphere into the room from the moment they struck up their instruments. It looked like a party store had exploded all over the stage.

The impressively energetic performer was not an extraordinary vocalist, and it didn’t matter because that’s not what it was about; it was about the experience. He had an unapologetic, inherently confident stage presence — somehow very pure and innocent-feeling despite frequent thrusting and convulsing, sometimes wearing as little as little as pink satin boxer-briefs. 

5.12.2011 Peachcake’s “This Wasn’t Our Plan” EP release show at the Rhythm Room
Photography: Katherine Amy Vega © All Rights Reserved
Click to Enlarge

Looking back on all of the exhilarating dance parties, he was giving us permission to let our inner children run free amidst a society constantly pressuring us to conform to a conveniently capitalist idea of what being an “adult” looks like. Pruett had a gift for inspiring even the most timid in the crowd to leave their comfort zones, go nuts and participate in oddball activities.

2.16.2010 Peachcake performing with one of their signature props during “Welcome to the Party to Save the World!” at ASU Art Museum

Combining hippie and punk elements in both sound and lyrics, the artists cultivated a community that demonstrated a tone of universal acceptance and unconditional love while challenging the status quo. Many years later, I learned of The Flaming Lips, who had an unquestionable influence on the church of Peachcake, with a similar ethos.

3.28.2008 Peachcake performing “Hundreds And Hundreds of Thousands” during Tempe Music Festival at Tempe Beach Park

Making a great impact, Peachcake performed at countless interesting venues across the valley, continuously toured, played festivals, performed with noteworthy acts, released their debut full-length What Year Will You Have The World?.., held drum circles in downtown Tempe, and participated in political causes on topics such as demilitarization and opposing anti-immigration.

They cycled through a handful of live band members over the years. O’Keefe departed from the group in 2009, and Pruett continued on with Mike McHale (guitar, synthesizers, percussion, backing vocals), Henri Benard (drums, percussion), and David Jackman (programming, beats, production, soft synths, vocals).

They worked on retooling the band, their sound was refined with the help of producer/engineer Jalipaz Nelson (Audioconfusion), and the 2012 album Unbelievable Souls was released.

2.16.2010 Peachcake opening their show with “Don’t Panic It’s Organic” at the ASU Art Museum

“Everything’s out there, we’re climbing up these walls,
Falling down the stairs laced with sweat and tears,
It’s time to pick ourselves back up, show the world we’re tough
Stop running on an engine of fear.


Because something is out there waiting for you to find it,
And when you do, it may hit you oh so blindly.
Pick yourself back up, show the world you’re tough
Stop running on an engine of fear.”


— taken from the track “Don’t Panic, It’s Organic” by Peachcake

4.13.2013 Stefan Pruett (Vocalist, Percussion), Peachcake
Photography:
Katherine Amy Vega © All Rights Reserved
Click to Enlarge

On April 13, 2013, Peachcake performed their final show at Crescent Ballroom. Unfortunately, after this show I never had the opportunity to witness the glory of Pruett and Peachcake again.

4.13.2013 Stefan Pruett (Vocalist, Percussion), Peachcake
Photography:
Katherine Amy Vega © All Rights Reserved

He went on to relocate to Los Angeles and start his new “Darkwave Pajama Pop” musical project, The Guidance — its Facebook bio currently reads:

“In an effort to escape the monotony of electro pop, Stefan Pruett moved from Phoenix, Arizona to Los Angeles to begin his solo project ‘The Guidance’. As The Guidance, Stefan wants to craft a reflective approach to making electronic music that he has termed “Future Grunge”. This aural concoction is the convergence of electronic synth sounds, driving beats, and dance elements representing the aesthetic and energy of 90s grunge, but all sequenced digitally instead of live instrumentation.”

When I learned of The Guidance late (thanks, Facebook algorithms) I was thrilled. I planned to see him perform at a show in Phoenix at the Valley Bar in 2016, which ended up being canceled. Pruett’s impressive energy was like a much-needed supplement for a deficient world. I feel that no words can properly convey how meaningful and refreshing the experience of Peachcake’s live performances was. It is wonderful that he continued to perform and uplift fans and strangers until the end.

5.12.2011 Peachcake’s “This Wasn’t Our Plan” EP release show at the Rhythm Room
Photography: Katherine Amy Vega © All Rights Reserved
Click to Enlarge

Despite all of the light in a dark world that Pruett brought to countless individuals, on his Facebook profile mini-bio, he left us with the words, “I haven’t done shit with my life yet.” But beneath all of the layers of weirdness that he wore existed a profound musician with an insightful mind, a quirky sense of humor, and a big heart. I believe that those inspired and supported by Stefan Pruett’s music, performances, words, and deeds will always carry some of his light deep in their souls.

Stefan Bennett Pruett

Mar 8, 1985 – Jun 14, 2020

6.19.2010 Stefan Pruett at Audioconfusion
Photography:
Katherine Amy Vega © All Rights Reserved
Click to Enlarge

“They put us in little cubes and tell us how to do our jobs,
Saying that there’s no more left for revolution.
But I’m sorry sir, I’m going to have to stand and disagree ,
Cause no matter what, you’ll never ever ever ever get to me.


I’ll always have my light, my will, my creativity,
To shine bright upon you and all the world you see.


What would happen if we spent out time creating harmony 
Instead of all the destructive, lost, calamity? 


The clock is ticking away, what are you doing today?”

— taken from the track “Step Away From My Destiny” by Peachcake


Thank you and rest in peace, dear friend.

4.16.2011 Peachcake at Tempe Beach Park
Photography: Katherine Amy Vega © All Rights Reserved
2.16.2010 Peachcake performing “Stop Acting Like You Know More About The Internet Cafe Than Me” at ASU Art Museum. This starts off as an a capella sing-a-long due to technical difficulties. MAGICAL!

Stefan Pruett Memorial Photo Album

Photographer: Katherine Amy Vega

Peachcake Online

The Guidance Online

NeroArgento Releases “Shed My Skin” Single and Video

Award-winning Italian vocalist / multi-instrumentalist NeroArgento is sharing with fans the new music video for the full length’s second single “Shed My Skin”, featuring singer/musician Brandon Ashley from The Dark and Caitlin Stokes from Corlyx.

Shed My Skin‘ is a more industrial-oriented song, based on heavy and low-tuned guitar riffs, plus huge and catchy layered vocals that give the song a killer radio attitude.

Watch the “Shed My Skin” Music Video

The music video was directed once more by Fabio Brunello
(Director, CGI, FX, and editing). 

Listen to “Shed My Skin

Spotify | Apple Music

Circles is NeroArgento‘s fifth studio album and it takes a step back to the original “industrial” roots as well as a step forward into a more mature and experimental sound. Known in the crossover scene as a solo artist, and founding member of the industrial metal act The Silverblack, NeroArgento has been involved in over 40 records to date including the Princess Ghibli compilation, a very well known collection in Japan that has sold several thousand copies along with performing multiple times at the New Years World Rock Festival, an event by Yuya Uchida.

NeroArgento’s tracks have also been featured in several official gameplay trailers, displayed on renowned websites as Warcraftmovies and Machinima plus his solo albums were released as special editions in Japan.

Among many collaborations as a producer, musician, and remixer, NeroArgento has worked with artists such as Dead By Sunrise, Vamps, Disarmonia Mundi, Rise To Fall, The Stranded, Massive Ego, Lady Faith alongside remixed songs for fan clubs of KORN, The Prodigy, Gorillaz.

Circles is set to be released via Rockshots Records on September 18th, 2020.

NeroArgento Online

Website | Facebook | YouTube
Instagram | Twitter | Spotify

TOOL Statement on Postponed Concerts

LOS ANGELES — TOOL has issued the following statement regarding their postponed concerts (original dates listed below):

“As so many music lovers have come to realize over the last several weeks, there is no playbook that artists, promoters and venues can pull from in these unprecedented times.

When we played what would be our final show of 2020, March 11 at Portland’s Moda Center, we believed we would be back on the road sometime this Fall. As we worked towards that goal we’ve come to realize that there is absolutely no certainty in re-scheduling dates for this Fall or 2021. State and local ordinances vary widely and no one can predict when high capacity events will safely return.

At the same time that we were working to reschedule this tour, we read your messages. Messages of job losses, illness, emotional and financial pain. We could continue to postpone or reschedule dates for some time into 2021 but ethically, we do not think this is the right course of action. In our opinion, tying up our fans’ money for months, if not a full year, is unfair. With that in mind, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel the tour so we can help support the people who have supported us for years.

Please know, we want nothing more than to return to the road, to play these songs for you and to celebrate our shared recovery. When the time is right, we will do just that.

In the coming days you will receive an email from the ticketing service you purchased tickets through notifying you of the event cancellation and when to expect your refund.”

Impacted Dates:

  • March 12 Eugene, OR Matthew Knight Center
  • March 14 Boise, ID Ford Idaho Center Arena
  • March 16 Salt Lake City, UT Maverik Center
  • April 16 Miami, FL American Airlines Arena
  • April 17 Orlando, FL Amway Center
  • April 19 Tampa, FL Amalie Arena
  • April 21 Charlotte, NC Spectrum Center
  • April 22 Charlottesville, VA John Paul Jones Arena
  • April 24 Baltimore, MD Royal Farms Arena
  • April 25 Uniondale, NY Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
  • April 28 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
  • April 29 Quebec City, QC Videotron Centre
  • May 1 Wilkes Barre, PA Mohegan Sun Arena
  • May 2 Buffalo, NY KeyBank Centre
  • May 4 Toledo, OH Huntington Center
  • May 5 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
  • May 29 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome
  • May 31 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena
  • June 2 Edmonton, AB Rogers Place
  • June 4 Winnipeg, MB Bell MTS Place
  • June 6 Minneapolis, MN Target Center
  • June 7 Sioux Falls, SD Denny Sanford Premier Center
  • June 9 Madison, WI Kohl Center
  • June 10 Moline, IL TaxSlayer Center
  • June 13 St. Louis, MO Enterprise Center
  • June 16 Wichita, KS INTRUST Bank Arena
  • June 17 Oklahoma City, OK Chesapeake Energy Center
  • June 19 Colorado Springs, CO Broadmoor World Arena
  • June 22 Sacramento, CA Golden 1 Center
  • June 23 San Francisco, CA Chase Center

TOOL Online

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Featured photo (top) by Rodrigo Izquierdo

Faith No More Announce Rescheduled European Tour Dates

SAN FRANCISCOFaith No More have announced a number of rescheduled dates for the band’s European tour that was originally slated for this Summer:

Original DateNew DateVenue
June 09, 2020  June 7, 2021 Manchester, UK  O2 Apollo
June 10, 2020June 8, 2021 Manchester, UK  O2 Apollo
June 11, 2020June 9, 2021 Glasgow, UK  O2 Academy
June 15, 2020June 11, 2021 Birmingham, UK  O2 Academy
June 16, 2020June 12, 2021 London, UK  O2 Academy Brixton
June 17, 2020June 13, 2021 London, UK  O2 Academy Brixton
June 22, 2020June 21, 2021 Stuttgart, GER  Schleyerhalle
June 23, 2020June 23, 2021 Berlin, GER  Max Schmeling Halle
June 26, 2020June 25, 2021 Oslo, NOR  Tons of Rock
July 03, 2020July 4, 2021 Amsterdam, HOL  AFAS Live
July 07, 2020 July 7, 2021Zurich, SWI  Halle 622

All currently held tickets remain valid for the new date. Refunds are available upon request. Please direct inquiries to the original point of purchase.

News regarding the band’s North American Summer tour dates is forthcoming. On Friday, rescheduled dates for Faith No More’s performances with System of a Down were announced: originally slated for May 22 and 23 of this year, the shows will now take place on May 21 and 22 of 2021 at Los Angeles’ Banc of California Stadium.

FNM Launch Fundraiser for Crew

Faith No More has also launched a fundraiser for their crew who were deeply impacted by the postponed tour plans, Bill Gould explains: “There’s been plenty of attention about the collapse of the concert industry, how it has been impacting musicians, artists, agents… but very little coverage has focused on the impact it’s made on a crucial element of live music and touring: the crew. Without a band’s crew, the show does not go on; yet, in light of the recent postponements, they have been left with few options to support themselves, or their families. And speaking of families, the band that you know as Faith No More is more than the five musicians you see on stage. It is a larger family, an ecosystem that includes backline, a production manager, lighting, sound and tour management. We had an entire summer of touring booked – and now, as a result of this pandemic, all of our crew have been put into a seriously vulnerable financial position. We have been working with these folks for years, and we feel very close to them. Since shows are not an option, we are trying to do what we can to offset this unfortunate turn of events with a special merch sale.”

The fundraiser includes an exclusive, limited edition t-shirt design, a Faith No More logo mask as well as several highly collectible autographed vinyl copies of the band’s most recent album Sol Invictus, as well as a variety of gig posters and show-used drumheads from Faith No More’s 2015 tour. The merch is available now via FNM.com/crew-relief/.

Faith No More by Jimmy Hubbard
Photo credit: Jimmy Hubbard

About Faith No More

Faith No More is Mike Bordin (drums), Roddy Bottum (keyboards), Bill Gould (bass), Jon Hudson (guitar), and Mike Patton (vocals). The San Francisco-born, platinum-selling band have released seven studio albums: We Care A Lot (1985), Introduce Yourself (1987), The Real Thing (1989), Angel Dust (1992), King For A Day… Fool For A Lifetime (1995), Album of the Year (1997) and Sol Invictus (2015).

Faith No More Online

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Official Music Video for Viral K-pop Smash “Lucky Cat” Released by DRMAGDN Cyborg Drummer/DJ

An official video for “Lucky Cat,” viral K-pop smash DRMAGDN Cyborg Drummer/DJ, is available today.

Watch the Video Now Here:

Official Lyric Video | Official Audio Stream | Spotify

Lucky Cat” is the first single from DRMAGDN Cyborg Drummer/DJ’s upcoming debut album, aptly titled Escape From NYC. The song literally came to him complete in a dream three years ago. In the dream, it went massively viral, had its own dance, and came at a time of real human need – which is right now.

DRMAGDN says, “The whole process was surreal. I have never been given an entire song complete in a dream with melody, lyrics and even a dance that went viral around the world before. I met K-pop singer Josephine Cho at another session I was producing. When she started singing, I was shocked cause it was literally the voice from my dream. I had another deja vu flashback to the second half of my dream when the worldwide shutdown happened because the song came at a time of massive human need. So, I bumped my song ‘RIOT!’ to be released on June 5 and fast tracked ‘Lucky Cat’ for a May release. The song is currently almost to the one million total view/play mark across all socials and streaming services since being released a month ago. I am excited to finally drop the fun viral music video.”

DRMAGDN Charlie Zeleny Josephine Cho
Josephine Cho & Charlie Zeleny, DRMAGDN
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The song is a catchy female K-Pop EDM hit available in five Asian languages and English. It features Korean pop singer Josephine Cho and was mastered by Huntley Miller (Grammy for Zedd’s “Clarity” Record and Lizzo) with mix consulting by Johnny Nice (Rihanna’s “Umbrella” and Evanescence). Additional keyboards by Plastic Cannon/Alan Markley (Maggie Rogers and Ramin Karmiloo) and lead “meow” vocals by Sophia Angelica (singer/songwriter/activist). All other production, songwriting, keys, programming, drums and mixing by DRMAGDN Cyborg Drummer/DJ aka Charlie Zeleny.

Lucky Cat” has total combined views/plays of 835,000+ in just a month since the release. It is considered a Big Trend on TikTok with 635,000+ views, plus has garnered 55,000+ views on YouTube, 21,000+ Spotify plays, 12,500+ Spotify monthly listeners, 121,000+ SoundCloud plays and 5,000+ “Likes”/shares across Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. The song has been placed on 30+ Spotify playlists and is now on major label Sony Music’s FILTR Emerging Electronic playlist.

DRMAGDN gave $100 to charity on the day of the release to start things off ($50 to Mount Sinai’s Coronavirus Fund and $50 to friend Chris Rybin’s Kidney Transplant Fund). He also donated $3,500+ worth of medical supplies he found in storage to Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, New York. View his Instagram post about it here:

View this post on Instagram

Hey guys, I’m staying safe & healthy and I hope you’re all too. I’m going to try to do something a bit different here during the shutdown, so please check this out. We all need a break from the massive negativity we are facing right now, so let’s see if we can spread some positivity & hope that actually helps as many people as possible worldwide. The amazing Korean singer Josephine Cho & I just released a catchy viral tune called Lucky Cat that has a fun charity dance for everyone to do. It’s the 1st single off my debut DRMAGDN record aptly titled Escape From NYC. The song is in English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese Mandarin, Tagalog & Thai. Links are in my Bio. I personally donated $100 to charity right now. $50 went to Sophia Angelica’s brother Chris Rybin’s kidney transplant fund. The second $50 went to Mount Sinai for the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus I donated over $3,000+ of medical supplies I found in storage including masks to Elmhurst Hospital in Queens NYC. Here’s how to do it (all links are in my bio): 1. Listen to Lucky Cat on Spotify or YouTube 2. Watch the Dance Vid 3. Use Audio on IG or TikTok 4. Film yourself doing the dance with cat ears or just do something silly 5. Post it & tag @DRMAGDN #DRMAGDN #LuckyCat #LuckyCatChallenge #DanceChallenge 6. Pick your favorite charity & donate $1 (if you can) 7. Challenge 5 other people to do the Lucky Cat Challenge by copying this text and sharing this post: You’ve been challenged by Lucky Cat! Do the dance on a vid and/or give $1 to any charity (if you can) to help the world in crisis. Share it on socials for health, wealth, joy, happiness & success in your future & for all. Hope begins with each of us & starts w/you. Now I challenge @dominimonroe, @gabriellekameryn, @lisa_okrags, @loveleetaylor & @robinandre to do the Lucky Cat Challenge. No prob if you don’t want to do the dance, please still consider giving $1 to any charity you want if you are able to & spread the good word to 5 other people today for some much needed fun and positivity for all. We are all one humanity and we are all in this together. Enjoy the song/dance & stay safe. ~ Charlie Z / DRMAGDN

A post shared by DRMAGDN: CYBORG DRUMMER / DJ (@drmagdn) on

DRMAGDN Online:

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