After 2 Postponed Dates, Christina Aguilera’s “Liberation Tour” Continues Across the US

October 16, 2018 Brittney Coon Leave a comment

After two tour dates postponed due to loss of her voice and the advisement of doctors, multi-platinum superstar Christina Aguilera is back on the road with Liberation going through North America. It’s been ten years since she’s been on tour before the “Liberation Tour”.

#LiberationTour pic.twitter.com/LpnF0bCyk2

— Christina Aguilera (@xtina) October 8, 2018

Her last tour was 2006-2008 for Back to Basics. Since then Aguilera has been raising two children and she wants to return to the stage. Not only will Aguilera be singing gems from her newest album, but she will also sing songs that made her a powerhouse and unforgettable singer in the early 2000s. This is a show that can’t be missed.

Unfortunately for her fans in Orillia, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan, Aguilera was urged by her doctors to take time off to recover from her illness. However, fans showed great understanding in response to the news, wishing her a speedy recovery. Upon each postponement, Aguilera lamented via Twitter over letting fans down, and reassured them that she will be coming back and give her best.

I owe it to my fighters to give you 100% for EVERY show. You have my word that it will be worth the wait.

Love, Xtina

— Christina Aguilera (@xtina) October 13, 2018

Aguilera went on with the show tonight (October 16) at The Chicago Theatre, where she will be performing tomorrow night as well. She currently has thirteen dates afterward, no doubt with two new dates coming soon. (View the remaining tour dates below.)

Aguilera’s eighth studio album, Liberation, is the perfect title to describe her amazing musical and life journey. Aguilera is a fighter, proving the domestic violence she faced as a child with her mother at the hands of her father wouldn’t silence her. Aguilera has suggestively shredded her 90s pop princess image and tirelessly fought for creative control over her music. Throughout her career, Aguilera has proved nothing can hold her back.

Her 2002 Grammy-winning fourth studio album, Stripped, is a four times platinum record and it is also the second highest-selling album by a female US artist from the 2000s. The 2006 Grammy-winning album, Back to Basics, has become a three times platinum record. A hot single from the 2006 album, “Ain’t No Other Man” reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 list and has sold more than 1.7 million digital downloads in the US. Aguilera has also worked in film, television, perfume, and as a judge on The Voice. Presently, Aguilera is ready to hit the road again after a decade and is prepared to amaze audiences with her powerful voice and soul.

In a press release with Aguilera’s record company RCA, she was quoted saying after her latest album release since her 2012’s Lotus,

“I just needed to get back to truth. I felt like I was stuck, like when you can do something in your sleep and you’re unmotivated by it and you need to take a reflective moment and look at how you got away from your passion and off your path. It’s a big step to walk away from something that’s comfortable, but it can also be liberating to say, ‘Okay, I’m being true to myself now. I’m back to what I feel is my God-given purpose for being on this Earth.’ I’m not a commentator. I’m an artist. I’m a creator. I like to inspire. And when I stop believing in something, I have to evaluate my integrity in the situation and get back to the root of my truth and purpose.”

Christina Aguilera - Photo Credit: Milan Zrnic — **Christina Aguilera | Photography:** Milan Zrnic

A popular track on Liberation is the song “Maria,” which is about going back to the little girl who simply wants to be inspired by music without the black cloud of the business side of things and feel alive again. Aguilera was quoted saying, “It’s not that my love of music depreciated, but being a young girl in a world of older men who sometimes had ulterior motives, and having no say in my own creativity or expression was very isolating.” The song has even more meaning, not only is “Maria” Aguilera’s middle name, but it is also from Julie Andrews’ character in The Sound of Music. Andrews’ performance in the film is what inspired a young Aguilera to sing.

Liberation contains beautiful songs that have powerful uplifting messages (“Maria”, “Fall in Line”), relationship songs (“Twice,” “Unless It’s With You,” “Masochist,” “Deserve”), and songs that make the listener feel good (“Accelerate,” “Sick of Sittin’” “Pipe,”). This album comes out during a time in the world where women need music in the wake of sexual harassment and the #metoo movement. Aguilera wants to connect to fans and let them know they are not alone, saying, “I wanted to talk not only about my journey but also deliver it in an honest way that connects with the soul. Everyone has their own version of ‘Maria’ — that little dreamer inside of them who might have to be put on hold because of kids, work, or family. So I hope that the album is a discovery of some kind for the listeners, as it was for me, and can be a form of release and independence and strength and inspiration to go out and find their own version of being liberated.”

Liberation debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 list in the US and the album sales will only grow as Aguilera takes it on the road. Aguilera is proof you can remake yourself, own yourself, and be yourself even in the chaotic world of music. Aguilera is only getting better.

Pick up the newest album Liberation now!

Catch Christina Aguilera on the Remaining Dates of Her Tour:

OCT 17, 2018 – THE CHICAGO THEATRE – CHICAGO, IL

OCT 19, 2018 – PEPSI CENTER ARENA – DENVER, CO

OCT 22, 2018 – PARAMOUNT THEATRE – OAKLAND, CA

OCT 24, 2018 – FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO – INDIO, CA

OCT 26, 2018 – THE GREEK THEATRE – LOS ANGELES, CA

OCT 27, 2018 – THE COLOSSEUM AT CAESARS PALACE – LAS VEGAS, NV

OCT 29, 2018 – COMERICA THEATRE – PHOENIX, AZ

NOV 1, 2018 – SMART FINANCIAL CENTRE AT SUGAR LAND – SUGAR LAND, TX

NOV 3, 2018 – WINSTAR WORLD CASINO – THACKERVILLE, OK

NOV 4, 2018 – PARADISE COVE AT RIVER SPIRIT CASINO – TULSA, OK

NOV 6, 2018 – STIFEL THEATRE – ST LOUIS, MO

NOV 9, 2018 – SAENGER THEATRE – NEW ORLEANS, LA

NOV 11, 2018 – FOX THEATRE – ATLANTA, GA

NOV 13, 2018 – MAHAFFEY THEATER – ST. PETERSBURG, FL

Featured Photo (top) by Luke Gilford

Adrenaline PR, Albums & EPs, News, Tours

Incite to Release New Album “Built To Destroy” on January 25, 2018 + New Tour Dates with Soulfly, Kataklysm, and More

October 15, 2018 Brianne Dunn Leave a comment

Last month, heavy metal frontrunners Incite – lead by frontman Richie Cavalera – announced select details about their upcoming fifth full-length album, Built To Destroy. Produced by Steve Evetts (The Dillinger Escape Plan, Suicide Silence) and mastered by Zeuss (Rob Zombie, Hatebreed), Built to Destroy is a visceral, urgent, voracious distillation of modern metal with reverence for the past, and boasts a progressed, matured sound for Incite. Incite can now announce that Built To Destroy will hit the metal masses with full force on January 25, 2018 via MinusHead Records.

Last month, Incite dropped a new single, “Ruthless Ways”, originally revealed last month via SiriusXM Liquid Metal. Listen HERE.

Download/Stream “Ruthless Ways”:

iTunes | Spotify | Amazon | Bandcamp

New Tour Dates

In celebration of the album’s release, Incite will kick off a massive North American tour with headliners Soulfly and direct support artist Kataklysm beginning on the same day! The tour will visit several cities across North America, coming to an end on February 26 in Los Angeles, CA. The tour will feature additional support from Chaoseum, Alukah and Skinflint on select dates.

Tickets go on sale this Friday, October 19 at 10:00 AM local time. Tickets are available via each venue. See below for all confirmed tour dates!

Incite vocalist Richie Cavalera says, “Metalheads! We’re fired up to hit the road with Soulfly and Kataklysm and all the other killer bands on this bill. This will be the first tour in support of our new album, so expect to hear some new Incite tracks at these raging shows!”

Incite with Soulfly & Kataklysm
(Chaoseum, Alukah and Skinflint) on select dates:

1/25/19: Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater*
1/26/19: Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey*
1/27/19: Austin, TX @ Come & Take It Live*
1/28/19: New Orleans, LA @ Santos*
2/5/19: Orlando, FL @ Soundbar #
2/6/19: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade #
2/7/19: Frederick, MD @ Cafe 611 #
2/8/19: Clifton, NJ @ Dingbatz #
2/9/19: Reading, PA @ Reverb #
2/10/19: Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall #
2/11/19: New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre #
2/12/19: Toronto, ON @ Mod Club &
2/13/19: Flint, MI @ Buick City Events Center &
2/14/19: Joliet, IL @ The Forge &
2/15/19: Ft Wayne, IN @ Piere’s &
2/16/19: Dayton, OH @ Oddbodys &
2/17/19: Lexington, KY @ Manchester Music Hall &
2/18/19: Kansas City, MO @ Riot Room &
2/19/19: Colorado Springs, CO @ Sunshine Studios Live ^
2/20/19: Grand Junction, CO @ Mesa Theater ^
2/22/19: Spokane, WA @ The Pin ^
2/23/19: Seattle, WA @ Club Sur Rocks ^
2/24/19: Portland, OR @ BossaNova ^
2/25/19: Petaluma, CA @ Phoenix Theatre ^
2/26/19: Los Angeles, CA @ 1720 Club ^

Support Lineup Key:

* w/ Incite supporting Soulfly
# w/ Kataklysm, Incite, Chaoseum supporting Soulfly
& w/ Kataklysm, Incite, Alukah supporting Soulfly
^ w/ Kataklysm, Incite, Skinflint supporting Soulfly

Nearly 15 years into a career in which everything they’ve accomplished was earned and nothing was taken for granted, Incite bridges the gap between various metal sub-genres, but one thing is for certain – you will be banging your head in no time. This is a band who will open for Gorgoroth one night and Cancer Bats the next, converting true-believers out of everyone who crosses their path.

As renegade disciples of trailblazing metal architects like Pantera, Slayer, Sepultura, and Machine Head, Incite raises the torch for trend-killing and hipster-smashing metal. Incite is as much a part of the fabric of the style championed by Lamb of God as the surge of newer bands like Power Trip. Incite perfected their signature brand of extreme sounds by playing shows with DevilDriver, Crowbar, Brujeria, Soulfly, Cavalera Conspiracy, and Six Feet Under.

Incite Online:

Website | Facebook |Twitter | Instagram

Incite Is:

Richie Cavalera – Vocals
Lennon Lopez – Drums
Christopher “EL” – Bass
“Dru Tang” Rome – Lead Guitar

Featured photo (top) by Jeremy Saffer

Music Videos, News, TAG Publicity

Joe Settineri Releases Official Music Video for Emotionally Powerful New Single, “Batman Cries”

October 9, 2018 Brianne Dunn Leave a comment

American Singer/Song-writer Joe Settineri has released the official music video for his deeply moving new single, “Batman Cries.” Originally premiered on CelebMix, “Batman Cries” was directed by Jared Cordes.

“The new video for Batman Cries explores the inner superhero in us all — the strong, inner-spirit that fights for us and keeps us moving, dreaming, and striving. It’s about the eventuality that even our strongest self needs to be reassured, lifted up, and cheered on. It’s about being down – seriously down – with seemingly no way up and finding that inner strength to go forth. When a superhero is down, it tears us apart, but when that superhero is us, it’s a matter of life and death.” – Joe Settineri

“In terms of musicality, “Batman Cries” is a powerful single and Settineri has been able to convey his emotions well. The sincerity that one finds in his lyrics is also visible in his vocals and the music video. The music video is an addition to the conversation around embracing one’s self and Settineri’s song is an interesting take on the concept.” – CelebMix

Download/Stream “Batman Cries”:

iTunes | Amazon | Spotify

Joe Settineri Batman Cries Press Photo 2 — **Joe Settineri**

Originally from the mid-west, Los Angeles based singer songwriter Joe Settineri was a late bloomer. After the music world wooed him away from a finance career, and years spent being one of a handful of go-to singers in Los Angeles, Settineri established himself as an exceptional singer-songwriter in 2009 with his widely praised first studio album, Stay (LML Records). His second full studio album, Beyond Your Control, was released 2014 and followed up by his most recent EP, Be The One in 2017.

Joe’s newest singles, “Hello Goodbye,” “Batman Cries,” and “Oxygen,” all collaborations with multi-platinum Nashville-based producer Mike Krompass (Smash Mouth, Nellie Furtado), are slated for release in Summer and Fall 2018.

Joe lives in Los Angeles with his husband and two children.

Joe Settineri Online:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Concerts, Kataklizmic Design, Media, Photo Galleries, Reviews

REVIEW: No Throw-Aways With Garbage at Marquee Theatre (10-7-18)

October 8, 2018 Debbie Malone Leave a comment

Tempe, AZ — On Sunday night, Garbage played at the Marquee Theatre as part of the “20 Years Paranoid” tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of the release of their Version 2.0 album. Opening for them was Rituals of Mine, a Los Angeles-based duo previously known as Sister Crayon.

At the start of the show, it wasn’t clear that Ritual of Mine’s self-described electronic/downtempo R&B sound would appeal to the packed house of late-to-middle-age Gen Xers. But as Terra Lopez sang “To Show You Violence,” the mood in the theater shifted from one of silent, reserved judgement to silent awe. Her indisputably powerful and clear voice resounded throughout the theatre to the applause of a crowd won over.

Rituals of Mine - Photo Credit: Rodrigo Izquierdo — Rituals of Mine |
Photography: Rodrigo Izquierdo © All Rights Reserved

Rituals of Mine recently collaborated with Tricky and The Glitch Mob, and the duo is now working on their sophomore LP. They will also accompany Garbage throughout the entire U.S. anniversary tour. “This is a dream for us,” Lopez told the crowd. While Rituals of Mine isn’t a new act, the tour along with their recent collaborations could expose the group to a much wider audience.

“It is a privilege to share our stage with them,” Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson said later during the show, “’cause not all musicians are good people, you know what I’m saying?”

When Garbage finally took the stage, they opened with “Afterglow,” followed by “Deadwood,” and “Temptation Waits”. To the delight of the audience, Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus” was mixed in midway through “Wicked Ways.” By the time “Special” began to play, the crowd was fully amped.

Garbage - Photo Credit: Rodrigo Izquierdo — Garbage |
Photography: Rodrigo Izquierdo © All Rights Reserved

“This is an incredible surprise for us… We never ever know what we’re getting, and it is always extraordinary and it’s fun,” a breathless Shirley Manson told the screaming crowd. “We’re here to celebrate a record that was immensely influential for us as people. It took us all over the world.”

Version 2.0, the band’s sophomore album released in 1998, was immensely successful, quickly gaining Platinum status in the U.S. and selling more than four million copies worldwide. It received two Grammy nominations, including “Album of the Year” and “Best Rock Album”. And in 1999, the single “Special,” was nominated for “Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal”.

Garbage has often credited Version 2.0 with solidifying their place in 90s rock music. In June, they reissued a special edition of the album that included 10 B-sides, several of which they played during their show at the Marquee, including “Lick the Pavement” and their cover of Big Star’s “Thirteen.” The group also has plans to record a new album for release in 2019.

One of Garbage’s last visits to the Valley was during a show at the Arizona State Fair to promote Strange Little Birds. Maybe it was the venue — the Veterans Memorial Coliseum has seen better days — or maybe it was just the changing state of affairs in the world at that time, but Manson seemed drained, world-weary and even a little sad. They delivered a powerful performance, but you couldn’t help leaving with the impression that maybe they weren’t coming back.

By contrast, Garbage was more alive than ever on stage at the Marquee. Manson seemed to have a renewed energy and vigor that made you forget you were singing along to songs that are now 20 years old.

During “Push It,” nearly the entire front of the house was jumping up and down with Manson and screaming the chorus. The stage was backlit with playful rainbow hues for “When I Grow Up.” Then, at the end of “Can’t Seem to Make You Mine,” Manson joined Duke Erikson at the keyboard to play glissandos back and forth across the keys.

“Despite what they will tell you, this is not a celebration of nostalgia,” Manson told concert-goers early in the evening. “It is a moment in which to collect you all in one space and feed off that mental energy that you just provided for us.”

But there was something undeniably nostalgic about the sound clips from familiar old movies interspersed between each song. Before “Hammering in My Head,” a clip of Rutger Hauer’s iconic monologue from the final scene of Bladerunner played: “I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe. … All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain. Time to die.” And before “Medication” they played a clip of HAL 9000 repeating: “Take a stress pill and think things over.”

Perhaps the most poignant messages of the night came after Garbage returned for their encore. “No life is very easy,” Manson told concertgoers. “Remember that today’s just a day. Tomorrow will be better. And if tomorrow isn’t better, maybe the day after that might be,” Manson said before dedicating “The Trick Is to Keep Breathing” to any fans who might be struggling.

They followed it with one of the band’s latest singles, “No Horses,” which Manson took some time to speak about.

“We must focus on the things that are precious. Not the things that are of the most financial value, but the things that are truly truly precious that make our world beautiful, that make us want to live, that make us want to breath and thrive. And this is what this song is about,” Manson said.

“It is about the fact that we must never fuck up our planet and our beasts and our animals and the things that don’t make money and that, above all else, human beings are our biggest and most important resource.”

Garbage closed the show on a high note with “Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go),” a song that Manson called their ode to the LGBQT community, which she has been a very vocal supporter of over the years.

“It’s good to be free, and it’s good to be a nonconformist.
So this one goes out to you.”

Photo Album

Photographer: Rodrigo Izquierdo

Photography © Reagle Photography
All Rights Reserved

Music Videos, News

Francesco Fonte Band Releases New Music Video for “Universe Garden”

October 8, 2018 Brianne Dunn Leave a comment

Francesco Fonte Band "Eight" Album Cover

UK-based progressive rockers Francesco Fonte Band have released a new music video for “Universe Garden“, the third song from their new album Eight. With this song the band recalls 80’s goth and dark rock in a poetic and driving track. The music video features black and white cinematography following a young woman in her journey of the “Universe Garden“. The video was shot by Torturett Photography in Hampstead Heath, London. Watch the new video HERE.

“The mercurial FRANCESCO FONTE BAND (IT/UK) – imagine Prince, the[sic] Nine Inch Nails, Suede and Pink Floyd all collapsing into an absinthe-induced cloud of beauty and melancholy and throw in a brutally powerful rock backbone. Unforgettable and unfathomable.” – Howlin’ Anton Bleak

Francesco Fonte Band formed in the UK in 2011. Previous releases were debut album Blue Omens (2011) and the EP Arousal Addiction (2013). Both records were reviewed by many webzines and magazines all over the EU. The same year as their latest release, they performed more than twenty successful shows in some of London’s best music venues. The band also achieved numerous airplays from radio stations (K2KRadio, VirginRock, ClassicRock and Bcfm-Bristol). The new album Eight was released via NMTCG records.

Francisco Fonte Band is:

Francesco Fonte: Voice/Guitar
Douglas Wheeler: Bass Guitar
Wayne Casserly: Drums

Francisco Fonte Band Online:

Bandcamp/Merch | Facebook | YouTube
Twitter | SoundCloud

BMG, Music Videos, News

The Faim Premiere Official Video For “A Million Stars” With Ones To Watch

October 3, 2018 Brianne Dunn Leave a comment

Los Angeles, CA – Today, The Faim have teamed up with Ones To Watch to premiere the official video for their latest single, “A Million Stars.” Watch it exclusively HERE. The video was filmed in Berlin, Germany and follows frontman Josh Raven as he reminisces over a past love interest. “A Million Stars” also appears on the band’s debut EP, Summer Is a Curse, which serves as a prelude to their hotly-anticipated first full-length album, slated for release in 2019.

Confirmed to Support HANDS LIKE HOUSES on Fall U.S. Tour

In other news, The Faim is excited to announce their first ever U.S. tour, supporting fellow Aussie natives, Hands Like Houses, in November and December. The group will also share the stage with Emarosa, Devour The Day, and Arlington. The trek begins and ends in California, kicking off in San Francisco on Saturday, November 10th and wrapping in Los Angeles on Sunday, December 9th. The run of dates also hits major cities including Chicago, Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Nashville, and Atlanta.

The Faim is also currently on tour in Europe supporting Against The Current, which concludes in Paris next week on Thursday, October 11th. A full list of shows in included below, with all tickets available for purchase HERE.

Since the release of their new EP, The Faim have clocked an impressive 8+ million total global streams, as well as over 5.5 million globally on their smash single, “Summer Is a Curse.” The band’s music has also landed on notable Spotify playlists including New Music Friday, Rock This, The New Alt, Top of the Morning, The Scene, and New Noise.

The Faim Tour Dates:

10/3/18 – Amsterdam, NL @ Melkweg ^
10/5/18 – Cologne, Germany @ Kantine ^
10/6/18 – Berlin, Germany @ Gretchen ^
10/7/18 – Hamburg, Germany @ Uebel & Gefaehrlich ^
10/9/18 – Munich, Germany @ Ampere ^
10/10/18 – Frankfurt, Germany @ Batschkapp ^
10/11/18 – Paris, France, @ Yoyo ^

11/10/18 – San Francisco, CA @ Slim’s *
11/12/18 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex *
11/13/18 – Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater *
11/16/18 – Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge *
11/17/18 – St. Louis, MO @ Fubar *
11/18/18 – Indianapolis, IL @ The Emerson Theater *
11/19/18 – Louisville, KY @ Trixie’s *
11/20/18 – Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick *
11/21/18 – Columbus, OH @ Skully’s *
11/23/18 – Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall *
11/24/18 – New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre *
11/25/18 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Foundry at The Fillmore *
11/27/18 – Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage *
11/28/18 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle *
11/29/18 – Nashville, TN @ Rocketown *
11/30/18 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade *

12/01/18 – Orlando, FL @ Soundbar *
12/03/18 – Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall *
12/04/18 – Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill *
12/05/18 – San Antonio, TX @ Alamo City Music Hall *
12/07/18 – Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom *
12/09/18 – Los Angeles, CA @ Teragram Ballroom *

^ w/ Against The Current
* w/ Hands Like Houses

Summer Is a Curse EP – Stream and Download:

The Faim Online:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Concerts, Kataklizmic Design, Media, Photo Galleries, Reviews

REVIEW: Goo Goo Dolls Celebrate 20 Years With a Sold Out Show at The Van Buren (9-30-18)

October 2, 2018 Katie Silverman Leave a comment

PHOENIX — The Valley of the Sun was transported back in time to the halcyon 90’s Sunday night as Goo Goo Dolls kicked off their “Dizzy Up the Girl” Anniversary Tour at The Van Buren. The four-time platinum certified album contains thirteen songs, four of which made it into the top 40. As the tour name suggests, Dizzy Up The Girl was the primary focus of the show, taking up the entirety of the first of two sets from the band, being played from beginning to end. It certainly did not feel like two decades had passed since its release, as thick crowds of people covered every square inch of the venue for this sold out show.

There was a tangible current of excitement in the air, and people were becoming antsy and murmuring to one another about their impatience for this much anticipated show to start. Each time a new melody would boom from the speakers, or a guitar was tweaked backstage, the excitement could be felt as it was mistaken for the beginning of the show.

The lights dim and the stage goes dark. A melody begins to play as lights begin to dance in unison to the music across the platform, engulfing the instruments in various colors as vocalist Johnny Rzeznik, bassist Robby Takac, and current touring members: guitarist Brad Fernquist, keyboardist Jim McGorman, and drummer Craig Macintyre moved slowly towards them. A sea of light from cell phones rose up from the crowd to capture the initial moments of the show. As each found their way to their place on stage they wasted no time heading straight into the opening chords of the albums first song “Dizzy.”

Goo Goo Dolls - Photo Credit: Katherine Amy Vega — Johnny Rzeznik (Vocalist/Guitarist), Goo Goo Dolls
Photography: Katherine Amy Vega
© Kataklizmic Design. All Rights Reserved

Following an intense performance of the first song, they effortlessly flowed into the following song on the album which also happens to be the second most popular song, coming in at #9 on Billboard’s Top 100 Pop list from 1992-2012. The beginning notes of “Slide” glided out of the speakers and it was like a fire had been lit inside the venue. Screams and cheers rang out as Rzeznik sang the words that any true Goo Goo Dolls fan would know. Goo Goo Dolls exuded a palpable “rockstar” energy. At points during the song, the audience was so jazzed up and into the music that they began to drown out the band with their singing. Not wanting to be outdone, this caused a chain reaction of events as the five progressed powerfully through the next seven songs on the album without any breaks in between.

While talking about the anniversary of the album, Rzeznik tells the audience about the iconic girl on the album cover, saying that everyone wants to know who she is. Thinking there would be an intricate story involved, he surprises everyone by saying they have no idea who she is, other than the assistant of the photographer despite casting models for the shoot. Even without a great story, the crowd loved it and snapped right back into their trance as they sang their hearts out from song to song, dancing with the strangers next to them and thrusting their drinks and hands in the air. This was the general reaction throughout their set, with a vibrant light show and dozens of black latex balloons floating around during another hit single, “Black Balloon.” Set one was brought to a close at the conclusion of the last song on the album, “Hate This Place.”

“Thank you! Hang on a sec, we’ll be right back,” Rzeznik said as the band left the stage for a short intermission. Before long, the musicians were back on stage ready to keep the party going for the second part of their set. Already having played thirteen songs, the band proceeded to double the experience and play thirteen more for set two, entitled “Deep Cuts”. Fans went down several paths of memory lane while the band played some of their biggest hits outside of their most popular album. “Better Days”, “Can’t Let It Go”, and “Two Days in February” were all played with acoustic guitar, evoking a range of emotions from their followers.

The remainder of the show was more amped up, wanting to bring the audience back to full volume before they ended with a two-song encore including “Big Machine” and a mindblowing performance of “Flat Top”. Right before that, though, Takac addressed the audience a final time with a simple “Thank you guys for coming out to celebrate with us tonight. Truly truly truly means a lot,” no doubt with mutual feelings in the hearts of fans. As the show ended after 26 songs, people could be overheard talking all around about how wonderful the show was and how much it meant to them to be there for it. For over twenty years the Goo Goo Dolls have brought several beautiful songs to life, and if this tour has anything to say about them, no amount of time can weaken the love their fans have for them, or their music.

PHOTO ALBUM

Photographer: Katherine Amy Vega

Concerts, Kataklizmic Design, Media, Photo Galleries, Reviews

REVIEW: Death Cab for Cutie Fans in Phoenix Are Left Thankful for Today (9-29-18)

October 1, 2018 Diana Stevens Leave a comment

PHOENIX — For the fourth stop of their Fall 2018 tour, Death Cab for Cutie returned to Phoenix to promote their ninth album, Thank You for Today. In the first album since 2015, the band comes back strong in their signature indie pop songwriting and foggy vocals. The band has already released three singles since the August 2018 album release date, building anticipation for their tour. Death Cab for Cutie added two new members to the band after the departure of guitarist and producer Chris Walla. The two new members, guitarist Dave Depper and keyboardist Zac Rae, seem to bring a new cohesive energy to the band, which made for a polished and low-key performance at the sold out music venue in Phoenix.

Charly Bliss - Photo Credit: Katherine Amy Vega — Eva Hendricks (Vocalist/Guitarist), Charly Bliss
Photography: Katherine Amy Vega
© Kataklizmic Design. All Rights Reserved.

When the show started at 8:00PM, opening power-pop band Charly Bliss welcomed the crowd. Lead vocalist Eva Hendricks bounced around the stage, swinging the white fringe from her short shorts. Her spunky attitude infused the crowd with energy, starting off the night with a positive jolt of indie pop rock, reminiscent of the early 2000s.

Joining her on stage was guitarist/vocalist Spencer Fox, drummer Sam Hendricks, and bassist/vocalist Dan Shure. At the end of their set, they generously thanked the audience and anticipation crescendoed for the main act, Death Cab for Cutie. Charly Bliss’ debut full-length album, Guppy, was released in April of 2017.

As the stage washed with ambient purple light, the four members of Death Cab for Cutie took the stage clad in black.

Death Cab for Cutie - Photo Credit: Katherine Amy Vega — Death Cab for Cutie |
Photography: Katherine Amy Vega
© Kataklizmic Design. All Rights Reserved

Lead vocalist Ben Gibbard jumped right into their new song “I Dreamt We Spoke Again”, washing the audience in his unique melancholy vocals. Guitarist/vocalist Depper complemented Ben’s voice in creating a beautiful harmony, while drummer Jason McGerr, bassist Nick Harmer, and keyboardist Rae rounded out the sound; making for a solid performance that reflected the band’s years of refinement.

Without pause, they began “Summer Years”, and then picked up the pace with the following song, “The Ghosts of Beverly Drive.” After the third song, Gibbard addressed the audience, introducing the band and briefly thanking those in attendance.

After a few more new songs, they went into “Gold Rush,” the fresh-sounding first single released from their new album. Recognizing the song from heavy rotation, the crowd erupted in cheers and voices rising up in unison. Reactions were similarly enthusiastic when the well-known notes of “Title and Registration” from Transatlanticism reached their ears.

The next few songs were a mix from earlier albums, including “Company Calls,” “No Sunlight,” and “What Sarah Said.” The chill vibes of their show would make for a great date night, or an escape from the work week. Gibbard occasionally dances about the stage facing the drummer and side stepping to the beat. While their performance was strong and their live sound comparable to their albums in every sense, the band’s minimal audience interaction and dependance on old songs might cause a loss of interest in newer listeners. There seemed to be a lack of connection that was sorely needed between the band and the audience. All members could benefit from some storytelling. Their lyrics are so beautiful and meaningful, the audience would surely love to hear some stories behind writing them.

A piano was rolled onto the stage for, “I Will Possess your Heart,” and Gibbard temporarily switched his guitar for the keys. The following song, “Autumn Love”, includes some beautiful lyrics such as, “If there’s no beacon tonight to guide me, I’ll finally break the shackles of direction and let the headlights lead me anywhere that they wanna go.” The depth of their latest album was described in a Facebook post on the date of release, which refers to it as “a record that reflects upon and asks questions of the past”, and “also a record about the future. Looking forwards and backwards simultaneously, from summer to autumn.”

As they finished out the set they finally addressed the audience once again, giving a big thank you to Charly Bliss for being a great opening band. Of course they had to play one of their biggest hits, “Soul Meets Body”, and the crowd went wild, nearly everyone singing along. At the end of the song, Gibbard triumphantly held his guitar up in the air like a trophy. The last song, “Marching Bands of Manhattan”, left the audience still wanting more, cheering into the emptiness as the stage went black.

It only took a few minutes before Gibbard returned, playing an acoustic version of their hit “I’ll Follow You Into the Dark.” It was at this moment that Gibbard opened up to the crowd with some cheerful banter, and he asked the audience to sing the second verse of the song. Afterwards, the rest of the band joined Gibbard on stage and played not one more, but three more songs: “Your Hurricane”, “Crooked Teeth”, and they finished the night with “Transatlanticism”.

With a generous 24-song setlist, Death Cab for Cutie brought a unique and beautiful energy to The Van Buren, and a recording-quality sound. The title of Thank You for Today no doubt resonated with die-hard Death Cab for Cutie fans.

PHOTO ALBUM

Photographer: Katherine Amy Vega

News, TAG Publicity, Tracks

NEVER US Release New Single, “Retrograde”

September 30, 2018 Brianne Dunn Leave a comment

Phoenix-based rock band Never Us has released their newest single, “Retrograde,” featuring Matthew Good of From First to Last.

“Our newest release, Retrograde featuring Matt Good of From First to Last was written to reflect the feeling of being an introvert in an extroverted environment. We tried to explore multiple facets of this theme, one of them being emotionally drained from putting on a facade for the world. Another being self-doubt that comes from being in an environment you don’t feel that you belong in, but need to be in.” – Never Us

Download/Stream “Retrograde“:

iTunes | Spotify

About Never Us:

Never Us - Photography by Briana Jones — **Never Us | Photography:** Briana Jones

We are Never Us from Phoenix Arizona, a rock band that infuses many different popular music genres into our songs. Formed several years ago, we have spent time playing multiple shows in the Phoenix area while refining and building our unique sound. Recently, we recorded an album with Matt Good of From First to Last at Good Sound Studios in May of 2018. The album reflects our different musical backgrounds and influences which have been combined to create something truly unique. We are immensely proud of our newest songs and can’t wait to share them with the world.

Never Us Online:

Facebook | Instagram

Albums & EPs, BMG, News

Tilian (Pearson) Releases Third Solo Album, The Skeptic — Out Today Via Rise Records

September 28, 2018 Katherine Amy Vega Leave a comment

Los Angeles — Tilian (Pearson)’s highly-anticipated third full-length studio album, The Skeptic, is out today! The Dance Gavin Dance frontman’s 10-track effort is his first solo release with Rise Records and serves as a follow up to his previous work, Material Me (LP, 2013), Future Friends (EP, 2014), Perfect Enemy (LP, 2015), and most recently, the Patient EP (2017). Prior to creating DGD’s latest offering, Artificial Selection, Tilian retreated to Portland for three weeks to record The Skeptic with producer and frequent collaborator, Kris Crummett. The result is a solid blend of pop-punk and indie-pop anthems that highlight Tilian’s powerhouse vocals and heartfelt, raw songwriting.

The Skeptic Track Listing:

1. Made of Plastic
2. Cocky
3. Gone
4. Handsome Garbage
5. Hold On
6. Blame It On Rock n Roll
7. Let Her Go
8. Drunken Conversations
9. Right Side
10. Ghost Town

Fans can stream and download The Skeptic on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and other digital retailers HERE.

The Skeptic signifies a formative chapter in Tilian’s career where the more questions he asked, the more inspiration he found. The Florida-born, Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer continues his existential search on this record. “Musically and in my personal life, I kept thinking, ‘I’ve got to find and explore some new ground,’ ” says Tilian. “I’ve always been so much more questioning than most people around me are. I never really bought into things the way 90% of the crowd does. That sentiment communicated the idea of The Skeptic to me,” he adds.

As Tilian continues to pose questions on his journey, he has a better grasp on himself as an artist than ever before, and that ultimately shines through on The Skeptic. “I’m optimistic and excited,” he notes. “I’ve been through the ringer, but I’ve had a pretty awesome and fortunate life. The whole journey is ongoing, and I get to be responsible for it.”

Additional news from Tilian will be coming soon – stay tuned!

Follow Tilian:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music

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