Live Sound Audio Technician in Los Angeles. WordPress Editor for SoundGirls.org. Trained in Music Marketing and Promotions for 14 years. Guitarist, Makeup Artist. Lover of concerts, skateboarding, animals, and the horror genre. Believes in the Oxford comma.
San Francisco – Talking Book, the San Francisco-born experimental trio whose music evokes the “distorted sepia tone imagery of a bygone era” (Cyclic Defrost), return with their first album in nine years, Talking Book II.
The group features Faith No More’sBill Gould with Gigante Sound co-founders Jared Blum (Vulcanus 68, Vision Heat) and Dominic Cramp (Borful Tang, Lord Tang), crafting music that is antithetical to genre classifications. Though the approach to creating the record has been uniquely their own, there are obvious echoes of Eno’s earliest ambient projects and his Bowie collaborations, ‘60s Serbian and Czech soundtracks, English folk and coastal melodies, intertwining prog guitars met with dusty electro acoustic tape music and Lynch’s “Eraserhead” score.
“We had originally thought this would be an easy follow-up to our debut album from 2011,” said Gould. “But in fact, this was a journey that took years. It was a wild ride, but in my opinion was totally worth the effort, it enabled us to really dig deep, and get this the way we wanted it. I feel like we have created a soundtrack to a film that can only be seen through listening.”
An early listen to the 14-song collection comes with a stream of “Thermal Drift” here.
Talking Book II is a total listening experience, meant to be digested as two complete pieces, preferably with headphones. The tracks are meant to flow, one into the other, without gaps. The vinyl release will be limited to 500 copies and contains an entire piece per side. Pre-orders for the 12” vinyl version can be found here.
Ska-punk luminaries Less than Jake have teamed up with influential SoCal punk rock band Lagwagon to bring you quite possibly the best punk tour of the year. Special guests include pop-punk quartet Masked Intruder and punk rock duo Plasma Canvas.
Lagwagon |
Photography: Ilkay Karakurt
The tour will kick off at The Rave in Milwaukee, WI on May 8th then head north into Canada then half way down the East Coast then aims for Nashville then moves toward the Southeast to conclude in Fort Lauderdale on May 29th. Presale begins on Friday, February 21st at 10am EST. Also, Less Than Jake recently wrapped up recording their new album which you can expect this summer via Pure Noise Records.
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To some, the name may bring you back to a movie soundtrack or a video game; others are transported to a sweaty day on the Vans Warped Tour. One thing that can not be argued is that if you have experienced Less Than Jake live, it is something that you will never forget.
With ten full length releases, numerous EPs, 7-inch singles and compilations, the band has quietly sold millions of records worldwide, with little support from radio and television outlets. They have been self-managed for the last seven years and have shown no signs of slowing down their breakneck touring schedule.
To quote an industry insider, “while their contemporaries’ crowds have diminished, Less Than Jake’s draw has seemingly gotten larger.” If asked how this was accomplished, the band members shrug and respond, “we never stopped touring or trying to be an active band.”
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 intact, 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.
Los Angeles, CA — California’s own Hollywood Undead have released their much-anticipated sixth full-length studio album, New Empire, Vol. 1, today via Dove & Grenade Media / BMG. In support of the New Empire, Vol. 1, the band will be touring the US and Europe — a full touring itinerary can be found below.
New Empire, Vol. 1 – Official Track Listing
Time Bomb
Heart of a Champion
Already Dead
Empire
Killin It
Enemy
Upside Down
Second Chances
Nightmare
The record was produced by Matt Good (Sleeping With Sirens, Asking Alexandria) and features nine fiery, high-energy tracks that reveal the band growing up and embracing a heavier, hard-rock sound with this effort, not to mention sharpening their signature sound to knifepoint precision. Fans may also recognize guest vocals from Kellin Quinn (Sleeping With Sirens) on “Upside Down,” and Good Charlotte’s Benji Madden on “Second Chances.” The LP is available to stream and download on all digital service providers here.
“To be blunt, this album is our attempt at reimagining Hollywood Undead, not just a new sound for this release, but a new sound for the band altogether. Our goal from the outset was to make music that stands alone from our other albums, yet seamlessly fits with what we’ve made before. Building upon the old to create a new sound and a ‘New Empire’,” explains Johnny 3 Tears (vocals, bass guitar).
“This was a fresh canvas, and we approached [the album] as if it was the first time we sat in a room to write music together. After 15 years, that’s difficult to do, but it was our goal, nonetheless. For reinvention, you have to be honest with yourself and honest with the listeners. New Empire, Vol. 1 was our opportunity to disregard expectations and say, ‘F*ck everything we’ve done. Let’s pretend we’ve never made a record before and do something different,’” he adds.
Watch the visualizer for “Heart Of A Champion” from New Empire, Vol.1here:
U.S. Co-headliner with Bad Wolves Begins in May – Tickets on Sale Today
In support of New Empire, Vol. 1, Hollywood Undead will be teaming up with Bad Wolves for an extensive co-headline tour of the U.S. this spring. Bad Wolves will be touring in celebration of their sophomore LP, N.A.T.I.O.N, which produced the band’s current single, “Killing Me Slowly,” that recently hit the very top of the Active Rock radio charts, marking their fourth consecutive #1 song at the format. The slew of dates runs throughout May with stops in cities along the East Coast, Midwest, and Southern regions of the country. From Ashes To New and Fire From The Gods will provide direct support for select shows. The general public on-sale begins today, with tickets available for purchase on Hollywood Undead’s official website here. Hollywood Undead will also hit the festival circuit in the U.S. later this year, with performances confirmed at Epicenter (Charlotte, NC), Welcome To Rockville (Daytona, FL), Rocklahoma (Pryor, OK), Inkcarceration (Mansfield, OH), and Rock Fest (Cadott, WI).
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“We’re looking forward to this spring run with Bad Wolves. It’s been inspiring watching them evolve musically since the last tour, and we can’t wait to get back at it,” says Johnny 3 Tears.
European Tour Kicks off This Evening in London, Followed by 20+ Co-headline Shows with Papa Roach
Hollywood Undead will also embark on their massive European tour today, which includes 20+ co-headline dates with Papa Roach and a solo headline show in London, U.K. this evening.
Hollywood Undead 2020 Tour Dates
2/14 – London, U.K. @ O2 Forum Kentish Town
2/16 – Barcelona, Spain @ Razzmatazz *
2/17 – Madrid, Spain @ Sala Riviera *
2/20 – Milan, Italy @ Alcatraz *
2/21 – Zurich, Switzerland @ Halle 622 *
2/22 – Offenbach, Germany @ Shadhalle *
2/24 – Munich, Germany @ Zenith *
2/25 – Wien, Austria @ Gasometer *
2/28 – Thessaloniki, Greece @ Principal Club Theatre *
2/29 – Athens, Greece @ Piraeus Academy 117 *
3/2 – Sofia, Bulgaria @ Universiada Hall *
3/3 – Bucharest, Romania @ Arenele Romane *
3/4 – Budapest, Hungary @ Papp Laszlo Budapest Sportarena *
3/6 – Bratislava III, Slovakia @ Eurovia Arena *
3/7 – Poznan, Poland @ MTP2 *
3/9 – Berlin, Germany @ Verti Music Hall *
3/10 – Leipzig, Germany @ Haus Auensse *
3/11 – Hannover, Germany @ Swiss Life Hall *
3/13 – Paris, France @ Zenith Paris – La Villette *
3/14 – Tilburg, Netherlands @ 013 Poppodium *
3/16 – Dusseldorf, Germany @ Mitsubishi Electric Halle *
3/17 – Hamburg, Germany @ Barclaycard Arena *
3/18 – Copenhagen, Denmark @ VEGA *
5/3 – Charlotte, NC @ Epicenter Festival ^^
5/5 – Ft. Wayne, IN @ The Clyde Theatre ^
5/7 – Chattanooga, TN @ The Signal ^
5/8 – Huntsville, AL @ Mars Music Hall ^
5/9 – Daytona, FL @ Welcome To Rockville ^^
5/12 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave ^
5/13 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Monroe Live ^
5/15 – Kansas City, MO @ Grinders at Crossroads (KQRC Show) ^
5/17 – Denver, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre (KBPI’s Birthday Bash) # ^^
5/19 – Sioux Falls, ID @ The District ^
5/20 – Cedar Rapids, IA @ U.S. Cellular Center ^
5/22 – Pryor, OK @ Rocklahoma ^^
5/23 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues ^
5/24 – Wichita, KS @ Cotillion ^
7/19 – Mansfield, OH @ Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival
7/16 – Cadott, WI @ Rock Fest
* w/ Papa Roach ^ w/ Bad Wolves ^^ w/o From Ashes To New and Fire From The Gods # w/ In This Moment and Black Veil Brides
Hollywood Undead is on the ascent in 2020, with more music to be released later this year and even more surprises for their fans in-store. Keep up with the band on their social platforms, and stay tuned for additional announcements to come.
Two of the biggest bands in heavy metal – Megadeth and Lamb of God – will be joining forces on a co-headline tour across North America this year, presented by SiriusXM. And to add to the firepower of this already formidable tour, Trivium and In Flames are joining, making this the must-see heavy music package of the year. Tickets will go on general sale Friday, February 14 on LiveNation.com. (Tour dates below)
Megadeth
Megadeth, fueled by Dave Mustaine’s triumphant return to the stage following his diagnosis and recovery of throat cancer, will embark on their first North American tour since 2017.
Speaking on the epic announcement, Megadeth’s leader and frontman, Dave Mustaine says, “Hello me! I’m back again, better than ever and coming to a town near you with Lamb of God, Trivium and In Flames. If you want high octane metal madness this is the tour for you.”
Lamb of God
Lamb of God released their first new music in five years last week with the single “Checkmate.” The track is the first to be released from the band’s self-titled eighth studio album, due out May 8, which is one of the most anticipated and important metal records of the year. Commenting on their upcoming co-headline run, Mark Morton, lead guitarist of Lamb of God, adds, “The world has never needed heavy more than it does today and top to bottom, this tour delivers! Lamb of God has toured with and been friends with all of these bands for years, but for all of us to be on the same bill is something extra special. Come early and stay late. This is the metal tour of the year.”
Trivium’s Matt Heafy adds, “We are happy to be a part of the biggest real metal tour of the year. This tour is the main event and represents heavy metal and the culture that goes with it.“
With In Flames singer, Anders Fridén stating, “We were honored to be asked to join this package. We were actually supposed to take this summer off, but of course we couldn’t say no. After playing shows with all of these guys for years, 2020 is going to feel like a kick ass reunion. See you on the road, Jesterheads!”
Produced by Live Nation, this epic 55-city tour will stretch across summer and fall, kicking off June 12 in Bristow, VA, and hit every region of the U.S. before wrapping November 13 in Reno, NV. Multiple Canadian shows are scheduled as well. See full itinerary below.
Tickets and VIP packages for all four artists go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, February 14 at 10 a.m. local time here. Citi is the official presale credit card of the tour. As such, Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets & VIP packages beginning Tuesday, February 11 at 10 a.m. local time until Thursday, February 13 at 10 p.m. local time through Citi Entertainment®. For complete presale details visit their website.
Megadeth and Lamb of God North American Tour Dates
Summer 2020
6/12 – Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live
6/13 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion
6/14 – Raleigh, NC @ Red Hat Amphitheater
6/16 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
6/17 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
6/18 – Camden, NJ @ BB&T Pavilion
6/20 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center
6/21 – Boston, MA @ Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion
6/23 – Syracuse, NY @ St. Joseph’s Heath Amphitheater at Lakeview
6/24 – Providence, RI @ Bold Point Lake Amphitheater
6/28 – Burgettstown, PA @ S&T Bank Music Park*
6/29 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage
7/1 – Detroit, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theater
7/2 – Mount Pleasant, MI @ Soaring Eagle Casino Amphitheatre
7/3 – Indianapolis, IN @ Ruoff Music Center
7/5 – Atlanta, GA @ Ameris Music Center
7/7 – Cincinnati, OH @ PNC Pavilion
7/8 – Cleveland, OH @Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica
7/10 – Chicago, IL @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago, IL
7/11 – St. Louis, MO @ Chicago, IL @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis, MO*
7/12 – Nashville, TN @ Nashville Municipal Auditorium
7/14 – Rogers, AR @ Walmart AMP*
7/16 – Austin, TX @ Germania Insurance Amphitheater
7/17 – Houston, TX @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
7/18 – Irving, TX @The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory+
7/20 – Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater
7/21- Phoenix, AZ @ Isleta Amphitheater
7/23 – Irvine, CA @ FivePoint Amphitheatre
7/25 – Auburn, WA @ White River Amphitheatre
7/26 – Portland, OR @ Moda Center
7/29 – Salt Lake City, UT @ USANA Amphitheatre
7/30 – Pocatello, ID @ Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre
8/1 – Concord, CA @ Concord Pavilion
Fall 2020
10/2 – West Palm Beach, CA @ iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
10/6 – Birmingham, AL @ Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
10/7 – New Orleans, LA @ UNO Lakefront Arena
10/9 – Corpus Christi, TX @ American Bank Center Arena
10/11 – El Paso, TX @ Don Haskins Center
10/14 – Springfield, MO @ JOH Arena
10/16 – Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
10/21 – Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center
10/23 – Huntington, WV @ Mountain Heath Arena
10/24 – Bethlehem, PA @ The Wind Creek Event Center
10/27 – Quebec City, QC @ Centre Videotron
10/28 – Laval, QC @ Place Bell
10/30 – St, Paul, MN @ Armory
10/3 – Green Bay, WI @ Resch Center*
11/2 – Omaha, NE @ Baxter Arena
11/3 – Sioux Falls, SD @ Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
11/5 – Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center
11/7 – Las Vegas, NV @ Mandalay Bay Events Center
11/10 – Spokane, WA @ Spokane Arena
11/11 – Nampa, ID @ Ford Idaho Center Arena
11/13 – Reno, NV @ Reno Events Center
*on sale starts 11 a.m. local time +on sale starts 12 noon local time
Tickets for this gargantuan tour package are bound to fly out when they go on sale on Friday, February 14. Grab yours before they’re all gone!
Atlantic recording artist Melanie Martinez has announced today’s release of a new song and an extensive leg of her world tour. “Copy Cat (Feat. Tierra Whack)” is available now at all DSPs and streaming services here. “Copy Cat” will be featured on her first project since 2019 album K-12, an EP entitled After School which is due for release this Spring. Tierra Whack is the first artist to be included as a feature on a Melanie Martinez track.
“I’m so thrilled to be releasing this song with the most magical artist and insanely gifted lyricist, Tierra Whack,” says Martinez. “This song was written years ago and from an empathetic perspective, even while in a very hurt place. We’re all told that imitation is flattery to ease the pain that the ego feels when other people get credited for our ideas and our work. But being human includes feeling a multitude of feelings, and naturally this song came about when expressing those very raw emotions. I hope this song can not only bring comfort to anyone experiencing that feeling but also remind them to empathize with people who are just doing what society has conditioned them to believe will make them successful.”
Martinez is “the sweetest, realest, most genuine person I’ve ever met,” says Tierra Whack. “After dropping ‘WHACK WORLD,’ she was one of the first people to reach out and immediately show love. So excited to share our new song together!”
Melanie Martinez
Photography: Brian Zuniga
Martinez has further announced plans for a major North American headline tour, produced by Live Nation – her biggest and most adventurous stage production thus far. (Tour dates below.)
Dates begin June 3rd at The Armory in Minneapolis, MN and then continue through late July. Highlights include Martinez’s appearance at Bunbury festival, and her eagerly anticipated debut performances at New York City’s legendary Radio City Music Hall (June 24th) and Los Angeles, CA’s historic Greek Theatre (July 17th). Martinez has partnered with PLUS1 for the “K-12 Tour” to support crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth through the Trevor Project for her US dates, and local organizations working to support and empower the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ communities for her Canadian dates. For more information about PLUS1, click here.
Fan presales begin today at 2PM (local) and tickets go on sale to the general public starting Thursday, February 13th at 10 am (local). To get tickets and see the full list of tour dates, click here. Citi is the official presale credit card of the K-12 Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets for select shows beginning Tuesday, Feb 11 @ 10am local time until Wednesday, Feb 12 @ 10pm local time through Citi Entertainment®. For complete presale details visit Citi Entertainment.
Both “Copy Cat (Feat. Tierra Whack)” and the upcoming tour follow the phenomenal success of Martinez’s internationally acclaimed album and accompanying full-length film, K-12, available now at all music retailers and streaming services. Hailed by Forbes as “a perfect conceptual album in the streaming age,”K-12 entered the SoundScan/Billboard 200 at #3 upon its September 2019 release – the multi-talented pop phenomenon’s highest chart placement thus far. In addition, K-12 debuted at #1 on the “Alternative Albums,” “Soundtracks,” and “Vinyl Albums” charts, as well as #2 on “Pop Albums” and #3 on “Top Albums.” Internationally, K-12 made top 10 debuts in Canada, Australia, Ireland, Netherlands, UK, New Zealand, and Spain.
Produced by Michael Keenan with the exception of one song produced by Kinetics & One Love, K-12 marks Martinez’s long anticipated follow-up to her RIAA platinum certified, 2015 debut album, Cry Baby. The new album further serves as a soundtrack companion to an eerily enchanting musical film, written, directed, and starring Martinez. K-12 is streaming now at DSPs and Martinez’s official YouTube channel, where it has earned close to 43 million views to date. Praised by Billboard as “a visual dream world of the 24-year-old’s own making… a whimsical, highly dramatized version of school life, filled with pastels, magic, oversized hair bows and babydoll dresses,” the film is also available on iTunes, Amazon, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Fandango Now, Vudu US, Comcast Cable, Cox Cable, Microsoft Store US, and Stingray/Qello.
In addition to today’s premiere of “Copy Cat (Feat. Tierra Whack),” last week saw Martinez unfurl a series of compelling new videos for songs featured on K-12, including “Orange Juice,” “Detention,” “Teacher’s Pet,” “High School Sweethearts,” and “Recess,” all of which are written and directed by Martinez and streaming now via YouTube. K-12 also includes the previously released “Lunchbox Friends” and “Show & Tell” videos, which have contributed to driving Melanie’s YouTube channel to the precipice of 10 million followers.
Widely applauded for her remarkably creative live performances, Martinez further introduced K-12 to the world with a visually stunning presentation of the album’s “Strawberry Shortcake“ on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, streaming here.
Meanwhile, Martinez is currently traveling Europe on her epic “K-12 Tour,” with remaining dates set for Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. From there, Martinez returns to the US for a series of already sold out “K-12 Tour” dates beginning March 17th at Anaheim, CA’s House of Blues and continuing through the month. Naaz will support on all European dates, and Sub Urban will open the March US dates. For complete details and additional information, visit here.
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Melanie Martinez World Tour 2020
FEBRUARY
10 Frankfurt, DE Jahrhunderthalle
12 Cologne, DE Palladium
13 Paris, FR Olympia Theatre
15 Tilburg, NL 013 Poppodium
17 London, UK O2 Academy Brixton
MARCH
17 Anaheim, CA House of Blues – Anaheim
19 Oakland, CA Fox Theatre
20 Las Vegas, NV Pearl Concert Theater
22 Denver, CO Paramount Theatre
23 Salt Lake City, UT The Union
25 Seattle, WA Paramount Ballroom
26 Garden City, ID The Revolution Center
NEW K-12 Tour Dates
JUNE
3 Minneapolis, MN The Armory
5-7 Cincinnati, OH Bunbury Music Festival *
6 Sterling Heights, MI Michigan Lottery Amphitheater at Freedom
Hill
7 Columbus, OH Express Live! **
9 Chicago, IL Huntington Bank Pavilion
10 St. Louis, MO Saint Louis Music Park
12 Cleveland, OH Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica
13 Toronto, ON RBC Echo Beach
14 Montreal, QC M. TELUS
16 Washington, DC The Anthem
17 Moon Twp, PA UPMC Events Center
19 Boston, MA Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion
20 Philadelphia, PA The Met
21 Asbury Park, NJ Stone Pony Summerstage
23 Wallingford, CT Oakdale Theater
24 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall
26 Raleigh, NC Red Hat Amphitheater
27 Charlotte, NC Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre
28 Nashville, TN Nashville Municipal Auditorium
30 Jacksonville, FL Daily’s Place
JULY
1 Miami, FL Bayfront Park Amphitheater
2 Tampa, FL Yuengling Center
7 Independence, MO Silverstein Eye Centers Arena
8 Rogers, AR Walmart AMP
9 Irving, TX The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
11 Sugar Land, TX Smart Financial Centre
12 Austin, TX ACL Live at The Moody Theater
14 Phoenix, AZ Arizona Federal Theatre
15 Fresno, CA Saroyan Theater
17 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre
18 San Diego, CA Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
21 Portland, OR Theater of the Clouds
22 Vancouver, BC Orpheum
23 Redmond, WA Marymoor Amphitheater **
25 Salt Lake City, UT Sandy City Amphitheater **
26 Denver, CO The Fillmore
* FESTIVAL APPEARANCE ** NOT PRODUCED BY LIVE NATION
LOS ANGELES — Building off the success of her self-titled debut album, LÉON delivers a gorgeous new ballad in the way that only LÉON could. “In a Stranger’s Arms” is a soft pop, forlorn lullaby about the metamorphosis that happens after moving on from heartbreak and the willingness to take a risk and start over ‘in a stranger’s arms.’ The warm track is oddly comforting and glimmering with both melancholia yet hopefulness. Listen here.
New Album Expected Later This Year via Léon Recordings / BMG
The critically acclaimed Swedish artist also plans to release her sophomore full-length studio album later this year through LÉON Recordings, her imprint partnership with BMG.
“LÉON’s smoky vocals and soaring compositions cut right to the emotional core.” – TIME
“Instantly catchy” – Billboard
Since releasing her career debut single in 2015, LÉON has consistently delivered with every release, demonstrates her knack for crafting emotive, tender, and unforgettable pop songs. The songstress has amassed over 400 million total global streams and is a regular critic’s favorite in the press, racking up praise from the likes of Vogue, Glamour, In-Style, The Fader, and more. In addition to making her late-night television debut on The Late Late Show with James Corden, she has sold out many headline shows worldwide and performed at U.S. festival staples including Coachella, Bonnaroo, and Lollapalooza.
“LÉON is unstoppable” – Clash
According to LÉON, “Over the past few years, I’ve learned how to go with my gut and steer the wheel myself. If it doesn’t feel right to me, I don’t pursue it. In the end, I stand behind the music I make, and I’m in control.”
“An essential listen.” – W Magazine
In 2020, LÉON shows no signs of slowing down. Stay tuned as she continues to evolve and embarks on the next chapter in her career, with more surprises for her fans along the way.
“Like the other mononymous Swedish pop icon [Robyn], LÉON couples danceable beats and thoughtful lyrics.” – UPROXX
Lamb of God has revealed a brand new single and video, “Checkmate,” from the band’s first release in five years, and the first to feature new drummer Art Cruz. The self-titled Lamb Of God is due out May 8 via Epic Records.
“‘Checkmate’ brings together all the components of the Lamb of God sound that we’ve been developing over the last two decades, but with the ambition and ferocity that comes with the start of a new chapter for our band,” says guitarist Mark Morton. “Re-energized and reignited, this is Lamb of God 2020. We’ve never been more excited.”
The fact that the band’s eighth studio effort would warrant ‘self-titled’ status is a testament to the band’s pride and satisfaction with these songs and this period in their creativity.
“Putting only our name on it is a statement,” Vocalist D. Randall Blythe says. “This is Lamb Of God. Here and now.”
A true collaboration between all members of the band, Lamb of God’s eighth studio album is an amalgam of each individual’s contributions, blended to create a singular style. Guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler fuel the album with a mountain of riffs, taking what Lamb of God are known for, and unbelievably, upping the ante to new levels. The rhythm section of John Campbell, looming large as a rhythmic shadow, and drummer Art Cruz, who makes his studio debut with Lamb of God here on this record, underpin the proceedings with passion, sweat and expansive dynamics. Vocalist D. Randall Blythe is as angry, insightful, and informed as ever. Never one to shrink from facing the darker aspects of our nature head-on, Blythe delivers with no punches pulled, and as only he and Lamb of God can in 2020.
In celebration of the release of “Checkmate” and the announce of the new album, Lamb of God will appear at a special show at the House of Vans in Chicago on February 14. The event is free and fans can RSVP beginning at 12 noon CST today at the House of Vans website here. The event will include a photography exhibit featuring photos from D. Randall Blythe that will be included in the new Lamb of God album artwork. Harm’s Way will open the show.
In the midst of writing the ten songs that appear on Lamb Of God, the group hit pause on the works-in-progress to man the stage as main support Slayer’s “The Final Campaign.” After months of playing their best-known songs nightly, Lamb of God returned to the new tracks and began to work with longtime producer Josh Wilbur (Korn, Megadeth, Gojira, Trivium). Special guests Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed) and Chuck Billy (Testament) also make appearances on Lamb Of God.
The Richmond, Virginia, quintet propelled heavy metal into the new millennium two decades ago with the prophetically titled New American Gospel. They followed with 2003’s As the Palaces Burn, which made the Rolling Stone list of the Top 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time. Ashes of the Wake, released in 2004, was the first Lamb of God album to be certified gold by the RIAA, as was 2006’s Sacrament, which also made a Top 10 Billboard 200 chart debut. In 2009, Lamb of God released Wrath, their first with Wilbur at producer, and earned the number one album spot on Billboard’s Hard Rock, Rock, and Tastemaker charts, with a number two position on the Billboard 200.
Those number one positions were repeated with 2012’s Resolution, which swung effortlessly between thrash, traditional metal, sludgy doom, with flashes of crust punk swagger and bravado. Lamb of God’s last album, VII: Sturm und Drang (2015) made its debut on the Billboard 200 at number three and finished number 2 in the world charts, reaching Top 5 in five countries and six addition Top 15 positions.
In 2020, Lamb of God is re-energized and unrelenting, ready to lay claim to the metal throne.
Lamb of God Tour Dates
2/14- Chicago, IL @ House of Vans *Headline show
European Tour with Kreator and Power Trip
3/27 – Stockholm, SE @ Fryshuset Arenan
3/28 – Copenhagen, DK @ Forum Black Box
3/30 – Oulu, FI @ Club Teatria
3/31 – Helsinki, FI @ Ice Hall Black Box
4/2 – Kraków, PO @ Tauron Arena
4/3 – Berlin, DE @ Columbiahalle
4/4 – Oberhausen, DE @ Turbinenhalle
4/5 – Wiesbaden, DE @ Kulturzentrum Schlachthof
4/7 – Zurich, CH @ Samsung Hall
4/8 – Munich, DE @ Zenith
4/9 – Ludwigsburg, DE @ MHP Arena
4/11 – Hamburg, DE @ Sporthalle
4/14 – Barcelona, ES @ Razzmatazz
4/15 – Madrid, ES @ Sala Riviera
4/17 – Paris, FR @ L’Olympia Bruno Coquatrix
4/18 – Saarbrücken, DE @ Saarlandhalle
4/19 – Brussels, BE @ Ancienne Belgique
4/21 – Bristol, UK @ O2 Academy Bristol
4/22 – Manchester, UK @ Manchester Academy
4/23 – Glasgow, UK @ O2 Academy Glasgow
4/24 – Birmingham, UK @ O2 Academy Birmingham
4/25 – London, UK @ O2 Academy Brixton
5/9 – Daytona Beach, FL @ Welcome to Rockville *US Festival
Today, multi-platinum selling band Incubus has announced they will be hitting the road this summer on their upcoming North American amphitheater tour. Produced by Live Nation, the tour will kick off July 15 in Auburn, WA and will travel to 35+ cities across the country before concluding September 5 in Noblesville, IN. The Grammy-nominated band will be joined on the trek by alternative rock stalwarts 311, who are celebrating their 30th Anniversary in 2020 (and will play all 50 U.S. States over the year) and Badflower, who recently had two #1 songs at Rock Radio. This summer marks the first time in 20 years that Incubus and 311 have toured together. The band also announced the release of their highly anticipated new EP, Trust Fall (Side B), in April 2020. Pre-save the EP HERE.
Tickets On Sale To The General Public Starting February 7 At LiveNation.com
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Fans can gain first access to the artist presale beginning tomorrow, February 5 at 10am local through Thursday, February 6 at 10pm local. Tickets for the tour will go on sale to the general public starting Friday, February 7 at 10am local time HERE. Pre-order the new EP, Trust Fall (Side B), with your ticket purchase and receive the new music directly to your email inbox the day it comes out in April 2020. Until then, you can listen to the new single, “Our Love” HERE.
Please note: EP price includes all applicable taxes and fees. Download instructions will be sent via email on release date (4/17/2020). Orders placed after the release date will receive download instructions within 1-3 business days after purchase.
Meet & Greet Upgrade
Incubus
Fans can also upgrade their tickets to include a meet & greet with Incubus, invitation to the Incubus pre-show jam session, option to watch the entire Incubus set from the side of the stage, and more. Visit HERE for more information. Fans can also purchase 311 VIP Packages starting Wednesday, February 5 at 10am local HERE, which include a chance to meet the band and/or watch 311 from side-stage. A complete list of tour dates can be found below.
Incubus’ upcoming EP release, Trust Fall (Side B), will include their recently released single “Our Love” – Listen HERE. On the track, the band lock into an irresistible intergalactic groove, orbiting a funky bass line and percussive bounce. Sinewy and spacey guitar gives way to wistful acoustic strumming. Frontman Brandon Boyd’s voice lifts off on a hypnotic chant before a searing solo. Meanwhile, the visual transports the musicians to a new galaxy altogether. After crash landing on a remote planet, Boyd connects with his bandmates. They jam in a psychedelic desert underneath a bright sun before slipping into a wonderland populated by mushrooms with a Fungus Amongus flare. Watch the song’s music video HERE.
The EP will also include last year’s “Into The Summer,” which clocked upwards of 1 million views on the official music video as it attracted critical acclaim. Not to mention, they performed it live on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. In addition to features from Billboard and KERRANG!, who raved that the track has “got a great chorus, and the guitar work has a spacey Ratatat-ish vibe,” Forbes noted, “Incubus have grown into a true legacy act, a band that has headlined festivals and arenas around the world, that have a dedicated following that eagerly awaits each new song, like “Into The Summer” and that a generation of fans have grown up with.”
Incubus 2020 Tour Dates with 311 & Badflower:
DATE
CITY
VENUE
July 15, 2020
Auburn, WA
White River Amphitheatre
July 17, 2020
Concord , CA
Concord Pavilion
July 18, 2020
Irvine, CA
FivePoint Amphitheatre (on sale beginning 11am local time)
Since first coming together in 1991, Incubus – Brandon Boyd (Vocal), Mike Einziger (Guitar), Jose Pasillas II (Drums), Chris Kilmore (Keyboard/DJ) and Ben Kenney (Bass) – have consistently elevated themselves and alternative music to new creative heights. The California band’s sales eclipse 23 million albums worldwide to date with multi-platinum and platinum certifications from around the globe.
Most recently, 2017’s 8 bowed at #4 on the Billboard Top 200, marking their fifth consecutive Top 5 debut on the respective chart. 2019 saw them celebrate the 20th anniversary of their triple-platinum classic, Make Yourself, with a sold-out tour. Additionally, they maintain their status as a streaming phenomenon, averaging 4.1 million monthly listeners on Spotify and clocking over 1 billion-plus streams. They continue their next chapter in partnership with ADA Worldwide, plotting more music for 2020.
About 311:
311 was formed in 1990 in Omaha, Nebraska by singer/guitarist Nick Hexum, singer SA Martinez, guitarist Tim Mahoney, drummer Chad Sexton and bassist P-Nut. The band now resides in Southern California. 311 mix rock, rap, reggae and funk into their own unique hybrid sound – and have developed a reputation as one of the most entertaining & dynamic live bands in the U.S.
2020 will mark 21 consecutive summers for 311 to headline the US. 311 plan to play all 50 U.S. States in 2020 in celebration of their 30th Anniversary. 311’s celebratory live shows & incessant touring schedule have earned them a massive grassroots following nationwide.
311 have so far released 13 studio albums, selling over nine million albums in the U.S. alone. 10 consecutive albums reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Charts and they’ve had nine Top 10 radio hits, including three #1’s. Their list of hits includes “Down,” “All Mixed Up,” “Amber,” “Love Song,” “Come Original,” “Beautiful Disaster,” “Don’t Tread on Me,” “Hey You” and “Sunset in July.” 311’s feature film ENLARGED TO SHOW DETAIL 3 was screened in 240 cinemas nationwide March 11, 2019. More 311 info via their official website.
This morning, two-time Grammy nominated and multi-platinum band, Disturbed confirm their extensive 31-date The Sickness 20th Anniversary Tour throughout North America, co-produced by Frank Productions and Live Nation. The amphitheater tour, with very special guest Staind and Bad Wolves, celebrates the two-decade anniversary of the band’s seminal album, The Sickness.
On this tour, the band will perform songs off the album, as well as tracks from their most recent studio release,Evolution, and their extensive catalog. The Sickness 20th Anniversary Tour will run from mid-July through mid-September, with dates in cities including Tampa, Toronto, Cincinnati, Phoenix, and Irvine (full dates below).
Tickets will go on sale Friday, Jan. 31 at 10am local time (with the exception of the Rogers, AR show which will go on-sale at 12pm local time) here. Select presales will begin Tuesday, Jan. 28. Special VIP, meet & greet, and merch bundle packages are available for all dates – more info here. Disturbed’s tour will also be a part of Ticket to Rock 2020, an exclusive ticket package at select Live Nation amphitheaters across the country—additional details to be announced, for more info go here.
Disturbed Tour Dates:
May 01 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach (FM99 Lunatic Luau)
May 2 – Charlotte, NC – Epicenter Festival
May 9 – Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome to Rockville Festival
May 16 – Camden, NJ – BB&T Pavilion (MMR*B*Q 2020)
May 24 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion (97.1 The Eagle presents BFD 2020)
June 5 – Nurburgring, DEU – Rock AM Ring Fest
June 7 – Nuremburg, DEU – Rock IM Park Fest
June 9 – Bremen, DEU – Bremen Buergerweide
June 11 – Nickelsdorf, AUT – Nova Rock Fest
June 12 – Interlaken, SWI – Greenfield Fest
June 14 – Donington, UK – Download Fest
June 16 – Gdansk, POL – Ergo Arena
June 17 – Hannover, DEU – Swiss Life Hall
June 19 – Copenhagen, DNK – Copenhell Fest
June 20 – Dessel, BEL – Graspop Fest
June 21 – Landgraaf, NLD – Pinkpop Fest
June 24 – Stockholm, SWE – Grona Lund Tivoli
June 25 – Oslo, NOR – Tons of Rock Fest
June 27 – Seinajoki, FIN – Provinssi Fest
July 15 – Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre*
July 16 – Cadott, WI – Rock Fest
July 18 – Grand Rapids, MI – Upheaval Festival
July 21 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre*
July 23 – Tampa, FL- MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre*
July 24 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre*
July 26- Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live*
July 29 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center*
July 30 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center*
August 01 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium*
August 02 – Hartford, CT – XFINITY Theatre*
August 04 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts
Center*
August 06 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones BeachTheater*
August 08 – Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview*
August 10 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater*
August 11 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage*
August 13 – Burgettstown, PA – S&T Bank Music Park*
August 15 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center*
August 16 – Clarkston, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre*
August 20 – Tinley Park, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre *
August 21 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center*
August 23 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center*
August 26 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP*^
August 27 – The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion*
August 29 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater*
August 30 – Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion*
September 01 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre*
September 02 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre*
September 04 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre*
September 05 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre*
September 09 – West Valley City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre*
September 11 – Ridgefield, WA – Sunlight Supply Amphitheater*
September 12 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre*
*The Sickness 20th Anniversary Tour with very special guest Staind and Bad Wolves
New Music Video
Disturbed also share a new music video for “Hold on to Memories” directed by Matt Mahurin, who also directed their “Sound of Silence” music video. The video is inspired by the Mexican holiday “Día de Muertos,” a day of remembrance and celebration of loved ones who have passed, with which it shares the sentiment that as long as we keep their memories with us, a piece of them is still alive. Watch the music video for “Hold on to Memories” here:
The band previously shared their live video for “Hold on to Memories,” directed by Rafa Alcantara. The video captures a moment during Disturbed’s live show where the band perform alongside a video collage of their favorite memories, with photos and videos of their friends and families, both here and gone. Watch the live video for “Hold on to Memories” here:
Disturbed have continued their record-breaking streak at rock radio, claiming the title of “2019’s Most Played Artists” in the Active Rock format. The band earned their seventh consecutive #1 on the Mediabase Active Rock Chart and Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Songs Chart with their latest single “No More,” an achievement unmatched by any artist in history. Disturbed have earned ten #1 singles on the chart, including “A Reason To Fight,” the track that initially broke the record earlier this year. “No More” is the third top-charting single from the band’s #1 album, Evolution (Reprise Records).
About Disturbed:
Disturbed are one of the most successful rock bands in modern history. The multiplatinum-selling quartet accomplished the rare feat of achieving five consecutive number one debuts on the Billboard Top 200. That accolade historically elevated them to rarified air alongside Metallica, the only other hard rock group to do so in the history of the chart. Immortalized (2015) received a platinum certification and spawned the triple-platinum crossover smash “The Sound of Silence,” which garnered a nomination at the 2017 GRAMMY® Awards in the category of “Best Rock Performance.”
Since their formation in 1996, the band has sold 16 million albums globally and scored twelve No. 1 singles at Active Rock Radio. Their quadruple-platinum 2000 debut, The Sickness, formally announced their arrival as hard rock leaders, with that status solidified by subsequent GRAMMY® Award nominations as well as gold-, platinum- and double platinum-certified records, as well as countless sold-out shows around the globe. Named “Best Rock Artist” during the 2017 iHeartRadioMusic Awards, Disturbed continue to boldly forge ahead with the release of their aptly titled seventh offering, Evolution.
Guitarist Kane Roberts has announced a special upcoming director’s cut of his video for the song “Beginning of the End,” featuring appearances by the legendary Alice Cooper and Arch Enemy vocalist Alissa White-Gluz.
Watch the original video for “Beginning of the End” here:
“Beginning of the End,” which appears on last year’s The New Normal, is a powerful track that required equally powerful voices and personalities to bring it to life.
“When Alice Cooper and Alissa White-Gluz both agreed to be in our ‘Beginning of the End’ video, I was blown away,” Roberts says. “Once the shock wore off, I realized I’d created the perfect storm. There was so much electricity in the air that it was obvious there was no safe place on the set, and the job was to capture it all in camera! As expected, their performances were truly iconic and I believe we created something both original and powerful.”
Alice Cooper and Alissa White-Gluz Comment on Collaboration
Roberts’ musical co-stars were equally enthusiastic about the collaboration on “Beginning of the End”:
“I go out of my way to work with Kane any time I can,”Alice Cooper says.“He’s truly a great guitarist with the brain of THANOS!”
Adds Alissa Gluz-White, “Working with Kane for ‘The Beginning of the End’ was interesting and challenging. To establish oneself in a song alongside Alice Cooper is no easy task! I feel we created a narrative in the song that just begged for a storybook type of video, so we got together and did that too!”
Most widely known for his work with Alice Cooper the mid to late ‘80s, Roberts’ studied Contemporary Music and Liberal Arts/Humanities at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Roberts’ resume includes a variety of work with high-profile artists including Rod Stewart, Alice Cooper, Steve Vai, Desmond Child, KISS, Diane Warren, Berlin, Guns N’ Roses and more. He has also written and/or recorded music for films such as Light Sleeper, Penelope Spheeris’ Decline of Western Civilization, Friday the 13th IV Jason Lives, and John Carpenter’s Prince of Darkness.
In addition to his musical career, Roberts has in acted in several films, including Wes Craven’s Shocker and John Carpenter’s Prince of Darkness. Along with director Mike Goedecke, Roberts also created a rollercoaster of a sci-fi short film, Embryo, which features an engaging story, stunning special effects and evocative soundtrack.
