Monthly Archives: June 2013

Music News, Press Releases

KC and the Sunshine Band To Be Honored by Palm Springs “Walk of Stars”

Source: Webster PR

KCSB_logoPALM SPRINGS, Calif. (June 25, 2013) – KC and the Sunshine Band, award-winning entertainment legends, will be honored by The Palm Springs Walk of Stars during the 357th star dedication ceremony on Saturday, July 6, 2013, at 3:00 pm at 144 S. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA.  The star ceremony is open to the public and media.  KC and the Sunshine Band will be performing later that evening at 8 p.m. in the Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino located at 84-245 Indio Springs Pkwy. in Indio, CA. Call (800) 827-2946 for tickets.

Things have changed drastically since 1973, but one thing hasn’t – the infectious, feel good happy music of KC and the Sunshine Band. Harry Wayne Casey – “KC,” for short – developed a unique fusion of R&B and funk, with a hint of a Latin percussion groove.

“I remember that I always wanted to do something that would make people forget about their problems and be happy,” KC recalls. “I always loved music and I was fortunate enough to grow up in a multi-ethnic area that exposed me to a lot of different cultures and music… from Pop to Reggae to Latin. I experimented at trying to put all three types of music together and the ‘Sunshine Sound’ was born.”

Yielding an impressive string of #1 hits “GET DOWN TONIGHT”, “THAT’S THE WAY (I LIKE IT)”, “BOOGIE SHOES” and “ROCK YOUR BABY”, KC and the Sunshine Band became the first act to score four #1 pop singles in one 12-month period since The Beatles in 1964.

With sales of over 100 million records, nine Grammy nominations, three Grammy Awards, the NARAS Governor’s Award (highest honor given by a chapter of the academy), and an American Music Award, KC and the Sunshine Band was one of the most progressive bands of the ‘70s and is credited with changing the sound of modern pop music. Their music has been featured in over 200 motion picture soundtracks, video games, sporting events and TV shows including Desperate Housewives, American Idol and Dancing With The Stars. Music acts like White Zombie, Baha Men and Beyoncé Knowles have covered his music. Their infectious grooves and bass lines have been sampled by R. Kelly, Snoop Dogg and Trick Daddy, to name a few.

The Palm Springs Walk of Stars, founded in 1992, has honored 356 individuals with a Golden Palm Star placed on the sidewalks of Palm Springs. Show business Honorees must have made an impact worldwide in the area of show business. All other star honorees must have contributed to the charm, worldwide prominence and name recognition of Greater Palm Springs. “We are very proud to honor KC and the Sunshine Band with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars”, said Bob Alexander, President of the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.

For more information on the Walk of Stars ceremony please visit:
http://www.palmspringswalkofstars.com/ or call (760) 416-5811

For more information on the show or to purchase tickets visit:
http://www.fantasyspringsresort.com/prod/entertain/entertain.php#kc_vp

Upcoming KC &The Sunshine Band Tour Dates:
06/27 Embarcadero Marina Park w/Symphony – San Diego, CA
06/29 South Point Hotel & Casino – Art ‘N Ink Festival – Las Vegas, NV
07/04 Twin Oaks Amphitheatre – Silver Springs, FL
07/05 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Biloxi, MS
07/06 Fantasy Springs – Indio, CA
07/13 Tropicana Field – St Petersburg, FL (after Tampa Bay Rays game)
07/14 Montbleu – Lake Tahoe, NV
07/19 Showboat Amphitheater – Chesaning, MI
07/20 Seminole Immokalee Casino – Immokalee, FL
07/27 New Haven Green – New Haven, CT
08/03 Desert Diamond Casino – Sahuarita, AZ
08/08 Muzikfest – Bethlehem, PA
08/09 Watertown Fairgrounds – Watertown, NY
08/10 Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom – Hampton Bch, NH
08/17 Busch Gardens – Williamsburg, VA
08/23 Chautauqua Institute Amphitheater – Chautauqua, NY
08/24 Tropicana – Atlantic City, NJ
08/30 Fraze Pavilion – Kettering, OH
08/31 Isle Casino Hotel – Bettendorf, IA
09/14 M Resort Spa – Henderson, NV
09/15 The Mountain Winery – Saratoga, CA
09/27 Odawa Casino Resort – Petoskey, MI
09/28 Utah State Fairgrounds – Salt Lake City, UT
10/04 ExtracoColliseum – Waco, TX
11/23 Pfeiffer Hall – Naperville, IL
12/05 Enjoy Hotel & Casino – Coquimbo, CHILE
12/07 Enjoy Hotel &  Casino – Coquimbo, CHILE
12/07 Enjoy Hotel &  Casino – Coquimbo, CHILE
About KC & the Sunshine Band: 
Formed in 1973, KC and the Sunshine Band aims to serve a single purpose: to create instant happiness through music. For 40 years the group has done just that, topping the charts with seven No. 1 singles and three triple platinum albums, winning three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for theSaturday Night Fever soundtrack, an American Music Award, and becoming the first act since The Beatles to score four No. 1 pop singles in one 12-month period in 1976. In 2001, KC was honored with the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences Governor’s Award, the highest honor given by a chapter of the Academy. KC &The Sunshine Band’s “Boogie Shoes” was recently selected for preservation by the Library of Congress. Harry Wayne “KC” Casey will receive a star on The Palm Springs Walk of Stars July 6th and has had numerous media stops this year, including Paula Deen’s “Paula’s Best Dishes,” “Designing Spaces” and more. The band’s infectious sound gives life to countless ad campaigns and hundreds of movie soundtracks. KC and the Sunshine Band has defined disco and forever influenced music with its timeless sound and mission of getting people out of their seats to celebrate, which is still being fulfilled today. The iconic KC and the Sunshine Band has joined forces with UK dance music super duo Bimbo Jones to release the band’s first single in over a decade, “I Can’t Get You Out of My Mind” (Sunshine Records). The infectious dance mix is available on iTunes, Amazon and all other digital music services.To learn more about KC and the Sunshine Band and to find more details about its upcoming tour dates, visit www.heykcsb.com.
# # #
Music News, Press Releases

TG Sheppard and Kelly Lang Give Fans “Something To Smile About” At the Ryman Auditorium June 29

Source: Webster PR
Nashville, TN (June 25, 2013) – Country music superstar TG Sheppard, who charted 21 No.1 hits during his career including “Devil In The Bottle” and “Last Cheater’s Waltz” and his wife, Kelly Lang, will be appearing at “Something To Smile About” at The Ryman Auditorium on Saturday, June 29 at 8:00 PM.  The concert, which benefits the Interfaith Dental Clinic, will also feature Tim Nichols,James Dean Hicks & Brinn Black.

TG_Sheppard_piano_publicity_lrgEarly in his career, TG was named Best New Male Artist by CASH BOX.  He was also nominated for Song of the Year and Most Promising Male Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music.  During the next two decades, TG charted 10 consecutive No. 1 hits including, “Only One You”, “Party Time”, and “War Is Hell (On The Homefront)”.  TG started in Memphis where he signed with Motown Records, which was working to break into the country music scene.  During this time, TG developed a close personal and professional relationship with Elvis Presley.  Elvis gave TG his first tour bus to help him jump-start his career and hit the road full-time.

Now after much public demand, TG has come back with a new album, Partners in Rhyme, with some of country music’s biggest names, such as Willie Nelson,Merle Haggard, Jerry Lee Lewis, George Jones, Conway Twitty, and many more.  For more information on TG Sheppard and his new album, please visitwww.tgsheppard.com.

KellyLang_publicity_b_w_lrgKelly Lang has performed with and had her songs recorded by some of music’s biggest legends spanning through-out all genres of music.  She has made numerous appearances on the biggest music shows in television history and her songs can be heard on radio waves throughout the world.  She brings her life experiences to the stage each night and captivates audiences of all ages.

Kelly released her third studio album 11:11 in late 2011, and gained much critical acclaim.  The single and video for her popular break-up anthem “I’m Done” is still in rotation on radio and can be seen on some of the biggest music video networks.  Her highly anticipated fourth studio album, Shades of K, a compilation of love songs, was released in April 2013.  For more information on Kelly Lang, visit www.kellylang.net

Interfaith Dental Clinic provides dental services for low-income, working individuals who do not have dental insurance and live in one of the following counties:  Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Robertson, Sumner, Williamson, or Wilson.  The mission of the Interfaith Dental Clinic is to restore, protect, and improve the oral health of uninsured low-income, employed persons, their children, and the elderly in Middle Tennessee through access to affordable quality dental care, oral disease prevention services, and oral health education.

# # #
Music News, Press Releases

MEGADETH TO SUPPORT TORNADO VICTIMS IN OKLAHOMA CITY WITH JULY 16 GIGANTOUR STOP

Source: Webster PR

GIGANTOUR HOSTS ALL-STAR SOFTBALL BENEFIT JULY 15 FEATURING FESTIVAL & LOCAL CELEBRITIES

Gigantour2013Logo_4

Oklahoma City, OK (June 24, 2013) – Multi-platinum metal rocker Dave Mustaine, founder of  Megadeth,  announced today that their July 16th GIGANTOUR appearance at Oklahoma City’s Zoo Amphitheatre will be a benefit to help those affected by the deadly tornadoes that ripped through the heart of Oklahoma in May.  Megadeth will donate their proceeds from this GIGANTOUR festival date to Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

“Many amazing bands have come forward to aid Oklahomans since the May tornadoes came and tore apart their homes and lives,” said Megadeth founder and front man Dave Mustaine. “Now it’s time for Heavy Metal to give to this community!”

The concert on Tuesday, July 16 is not the only effort to benefit disaster victims while Mustaine and tour visit Oklahoma.  On Monday, July 15th the ASA Hall of Fame Complex will host an All-Star softball game featuring Megadeth and other GIGANTOUR band members, plus local celebrities and more to be announced.  100% of the net proceeds will also benefit Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.  The ASA Hall of Fame Stadium is located at 2801 NE 50th Street, Oklahoma City, OK and has generously donated the field for the fun, entertaining event.  Patrons are asked to make a minimum $5.00 donation to come see some heavy metal and local celebrities have fun on the softball field.

OKC GIGANTOUR EVENT:
GIGANTOUR – MEGADETH, Black Label Society, Device, Hellyeah, Newstead, Death Division
JULY 16, 2013 – Gates Open at 3PM – OKC Zoo Amphitheatre
$25 GA Lawn Seats or VIP Tix Available – MEGADETH proceeds Benefit Disaster Relief
Purchase Tickets: Buy For Less Stores OKC, Reasor’s Stores Tulsa, 866-977-6849, www.thezooamp.com

GIGANTOUR kicks off July 3rd on the East Coast, where the critically acclaimed package festival founded in 2005 by Mustaine returns, with an incredible new multi-artist bill featuring metal heavyweights BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, DEVICE, HELLYEAH, NEWSTED and DEATH DIVISION.  Two New York City GIGANTOUR appearances August 6 & 7 were also announced last week.

Super Collider, the current album title cut from iconic metal rockers Megadeth, scored its second week at #1 on CMJ’s Loud Rock Chart last week.  Early supporters of the record include Rockline, SiriusXM’s SixxSense, Liquid Metal & Boneyard channels, Music Choice, syndicated broadcasters Eddie Trunk & Hangar 18, and Clear Channel’s iHeart Radio.

Megadeth, a heavy metal band that’s been around for nearly three decades, has sold more than 38 million albums worldwide, earned 11 Grammy® nominations has now added Top 6 Billboard album to their recent list of accomplishments.Super Collider debuted at #6 on Billboard’s Top 200 albums chart making this their highest debut since their multi-platinum albums Countdown to Extinction and Youthanasia. Megadeth also debuted at #3 on Billboard’s Hard Music Chart.

GIGANTOUR TOUR DATES
WED 7/3/13 Gilford, NH Meadowbrook
FRI 7/5/13 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
SAT 7/6/13 Canadaigua, NY Marvin Sands PAC
MON 7/8/13 Clarkston, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre
TUE 7/9/13 Chicago, IL Allstate Arena
WED 7/10/13 Youngstown, OH Covelli Center
FRI 7/12/13 Dallas, TX Gexa Energy Pavilion
SAT 7/13/13 Lubbock, TX Lonestar Amphitheatre
SUN 7/14/13 Corpus Christi, TX Concrete Street Amphitheatre
TUE 7/16/13 Oklahoma City, OK Zoo Amphitheatre
THU 7/18/13 Bloomington, IL US Cellular Coliseum
FRI 7/19/13 Milwaukee, WI Eagles Ballroom
SAT 7/20/13 Cadott, WI Chippewa Valley Rock Fest
MON 7/22/13 Winnipeg, MB MTS Center
TUE 7/23/13 Regina, SK Brandt Centre
THU 7/25/13 Calgary, AB Stampede Corral
FRI 7/26/13 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place
SAT 7/27/13 Dawson Creek, BC EnCana Events Centre
MON 7/29/13 Abbotsford, BC Abbotsford Entertainment Center
TUE 7/30/13 Everett, WA Comcast Arena
THU 8/1/13 West Valley City, UT (SLC) Maverik Center
FRI 8/2/13 Broomfield, CO (Denver) 1st Bank Center
SUN 8/4/13 Fargo, ND Scheels Arena
TUE 8/6/13 New York, NY Hammerstein Ballroom
WED 8/7/13 New York, NY Hammerstein Ballroom
FRI 8/9/13 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center
SAT 8/10/13 Montreal, Quebec Heavy MTL 2013
SUN 8/11/13 Toronto, Ontario Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

www.gigantour.com
www.megadeth.com
www.facebook.com/megadeth
www.twitter.com/megadeth
www.twitter.com/davemustaine

ABOUT REGIONAL FOOD BANK OF OKLAHOMA
Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma provides help to victims from their food pantry in Moore, OK serving over 200 families daily, donating food boxes and care packages to disaster agencies and volunteers that continue clean-up and rebuilding efforts.  For more info, call 405-972-1111 or visitwww.regionalfoodbank.org

# # #
Music News, Press Releases

28 ENTERTAINMENT ACQUIRES LIFE RIGHTS TO CELEBRATED COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND GEORGE JONES

Celeb Q&A George Jones

Source: Webster PR

Los Angeles, CA (June 18, 2013) – 28 Entertainment announced today the acquisition of the story rights to George Jones and his wife Nancy for a feature film project about the incredible life and career of the iconic country singer.  The project, written by Dennis L. Baxter and produced by Baxter and 28 Entertainment’s Jay Hoffman and Brian A. Hoffman, depicts George’s life as a country music legend while battling his personal demons.

“Over the years we have been approached to make George’s life into a feature film, but it was not until Dennis Baxter became involved that we were confident the story could be told accurately.  George and I started working with Dennis six years ago in crafting the life-long story.  Knowing George had input in this film and that it will be told the way he wanted it told, I feel we are in good hands to collaborate with 28 Entertainment as we move forward with production,” said Nancy Jones.

Nancy Jones will Executive Produce and consult on the project. Baxter worked closely with Nancy and George on the story before George passed away onApril 26th in Nashville at the age of 81.

“George had hoped to see the movie before he passed and worked with me to make sure the story was complete.” said Dennis Baxter

Jones’ story is one of legendary talent, fame and success, while showing the dark side of alcoholism and drug abuse to levels that few people could survive. It is also a story of healing, renewed faith and the unconditional love that ultimately pulled him through the turbulent times. The script portrays a life that was torn apart by addiction in a very public way, and was saved by the incredible love story of Nancy and George.

“George’s career is one of the most celebrated of country music legends, and we feel it is important to tell his story for fans and music lovers around the world. We are huge fans of George and his music and look forward to working closely with Nancy as we bring his life to the big screen,” said Jay Hoffman of 28 Entertainment.

George Jones had 14 number one country hits and more than 150 songs on the charts, including his award winning single “He Stopped Loving Her Today” which is considered the greatest country music song of all time.

Jones was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992, named a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2008 and in 2012 was presented with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award.  Along with his induction into the Country Music Hall Of Fame he received countless other awards and accolades from ACM, CMA, Country Music Television, and of course, The Grand Ole Opry.

The deal was represented by Chris Corabi on behalf of 28 Entertainment’s Jay Hoffman, Brian A. Hoffman, and Dennis L. Baxter, and by Jess Rosen of Greenberg Traurig on behalf of George and Nancy Jones.

# # #
Music News, Press Releases

HANK WILLIAMS JR. AND BLASTER RECORDS TEAM UP WITH NAPA AUTO PARTS

Source: Webster PR
HANK WILLIAMS JR.’s LATEST RELEASE OLD SCHOOL NEW RULES SET FOR RETAIL IN NAPA AUTO PARTS LOCATIONS
HWJR_OSNR_cvr_lrgNASHVILLE, TN (June 17, 2013) — In a marketplace where the music business has turned its focus to digital marketing, Hank Williams Jr. and Blaster Records will distribute Williams’ latest music project Old School New Rules among participating NAPA Auto Parts locations starting in June.

“This is the first time music is going to be available at NAPA Auto Parts stores,” says country music icon Hank Williams Jr.  “NAPA customers are my fans.  I am glad that my CD’s are going to be sold there and right next to the Blaster products.”

In celebration of this ‘first-time’ offering at NAPA Auto Parts, Hank Williams Jr. joined Blaster Corporation executives at the recent NAPA/Balkamp buyers convention in Indianapolis.

“We look forward to introducing Hank’s music to the NAPA customers as well as displaying our latest products in the stacker promotion,” said Tom Porter, CEO.

Never one to stay silent for long, Hank Williams Jr., hits the road this summer on select exclusive dates.  See if Hank is rolling into a city near you, and get your tickets fast!

2013 Hank Williams Jr. Tour Schedule 
(check website for updates and additional dates)

06/21 Alpharetta, GA – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
06/28 Detroit, MI – The Fox Theatre
06/29 Kettering, OH – Fraze Pavilion
07/12 Pensacola, FL – Pensacola Civic Center
07/13 Orlando, FL – UCF Arena
07/19 Atlantic City, NJ – Caesars Circus Maximus Theatre
07/20 Fredericksburg, VA – Job.com Pavilion
07/26 Southhaven, MS – Snowden Gove Park
07/27 Guthrie Center, IA – Guthrie’s River Ruckus
08/17 Tower, MN – Fortune Bay Resort Casino
08/24 Beaumont, TX – Lamar University
08/31 Portsmouth, VA – Ntelos Wireless Pavilion
09/01 Cherokee, NC – Harrah’s Cherokee
09/06 Concho, OK – Lucky Star Casino
09/07 Newkirk, OK – First Council Casino
09/13 Bossier City, LA – Horseshoe Casino & Hotel
09/14 Biloxi, MS – IP Casino Resort and Spa

For more information, please visit www.hankjr.com

2012_HWJR_PR_img_guitar_byDavidMcClister_lrg

About Hank Williams Jr.
With more than 70 albums to his credit and 55 million albums sold, Williams has a fascinating career for a legend still in his prime. His discography chronicles a bold profile of growth from adored offspring of a legendary father, to titan of the modern country rock movement in his own right.    He has amassed 5 platinum albums, 20 gold albums, 13 chart-topping albums, and 10 number one singles.  Country classics like “A Country Boy Can Survive,” “Dixie on My Mind,” and “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight,” are all part of his illustrious career.

Williams has received 16 BMI songwriting honors and even a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Collaboration in 1989. For two decades, America came to its collective feet each fall Monday night when this larger than life superman of a musician looked into the camera and unleashed the national anthem for viewers of Monday Night Football – ‘Are you ready for some football?’ Those simple words have won Williams an entirely new generation of fans and given him the distinction of being the first country performer to ever win an Emmy.

Williams has also been named Entertainer of the Year five times, and was the recipient of the prestigious 2009 Academy of Country Music “Pioneer Award.” In 2012, Williams launched Bocephus Records and immediately signed a licensing deal with Blaster Records, distributed by Warner Music Nashville. He has dominated social media with more than 1.4 million likes on Facebook and over 85,000 twitter followers.  Needless to say, his career is one for the history books. In his personal life, Williams is an avid sportsman, cigar aficionado, and Civil War enthusiast.

# # #
Music News, Press Releases

Parallel Music Publishing Acquires Songs of Bigger Picture Catalog

Parallel_logo_smParallel Music Publishing Acquires Songs of Bigger Picture Catalog

Highlights include The Band Perry’s “Better Dig Two,” “Mama’s Broken Heart” by Miranda Lambert and “Til My Last Day” by Justin Moore

[Source: Webster PR]

Nashville, TN (June 14, 2013)— Parallel Music Publishing, a division of Parallel Entertainment, has acquired approximately 2000 songs from the catalog of Songs of Bigger Picture. Highlights include recent #1 hits “Better Dig Two,” “Mama’s Broken Heart” and “Til My Last Day.” Included in the purchase are the catalogs of Nashville’s leading songwriters, such as Brandy Clark, Brian D. Maher, Josh Osborne and Brice Long, among others. Additionally, songwriters Michael White and Lance Carpenter join the Parallel Music Publishing team as part of the acquisition.

“We’re very excited to continue expanding and growing Parallel Entertainment’s footprint in Nashville,” said Tim Hunze, managing partner, Parallel Music Publishing.

About Parallel Entertainment:
Founded in 1991 by CEO J.P. Williams, Parallel Entertainment is a Los Angeles-based talent management and production company. Parallel develops, finances and produces a wide range of entertainment projects, including feature films; DVD premiere features; comedy and music albums; and television series and specials for network and cable. The filmed entertainment productions include comedy and holiday specials for Comedy Central, CMT, VH1 and HBO; motion pictures, including the upcoming Them Idiots Whirled Tour for CMT as well as the theatrical releases, Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movie; Larry the Cable Guy: Heath Inspector, Delta Farce, and Witless Protection. Parallel has produced countless television shows including Blue Collar TV, The Bill Engvall Show for TBS, Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy for History, the game shows Lingo and The American Bible Challenge for the Game Show Network and most recently, Buck Wild for MTV. Their upcoming animated series for CMT entitled Bounty Hunters premieres this summer. Parallel also has a drama in development for TNT starring Bill Engvall. For more information on Parallel Entertainment, please visit: parallelentertainment.com.

About Bigger Picture Group:
Bigger Picture Group is a next-generation Nashville based music company. By taking a holistic view of each artist’s career and establishing a joint venture whereby the artists contribute both their art and their brand, Bigger Picture Group can strategically provide the resources required to develop, promote, and market the artist, all under one roof. Bigger Picture Artist Ventures includes established country stars Chris Cagle and Craig Campbell, and rising talents including Chris Janson, Rachel Bradshaw, and Ryan Kinder. Songs of Bigger Picture, Bigger Picture’s publishing company, strategically focuses its interest on the company’s joint venture artists and includes associated songwriters such as Luke Sheets.

# # #

 
Music News, Press Releases

Acclaimed Troubadour Brian Wright Reveals Rattle Their Chains on Sept. 10

Acclaimed Troubadour Brian Wright Reveals Rattle Their Chains on Sept. 10
{Source: Sugar Hill Records]
Nashville, Tenn. (June 14, 2013) — With his 2011 label debut hailed by No Depression as “perfect” and byAmerican Songwriter as “brilliant,” singer-songwriter/rock ’n’ roll musician Brian Wright will unveil his new album, the highly anticipated Rattle Their Chains, on Sept. 10. The Waco, Tex., native and new Nashville resident will release his diverse new collection of plaintive ballads and rootsy rockers on Sugar Hill Records, which also released his last project, the wildly acclaimed House on Fire.
Imagine diving after a pearl of great price, only to find that it rests within a dense shell you must crack open with two opposing attempts: one about strength, the other surrender.
That’s how it went down for Brian Wright as he labored to land his gem, the new album Rattle Their Chains. That’s not to say he started on the wrong foot: far from it. For the recording of Rattle Their Chains, he convened last summer in a Los Angeles studio, surrounded by a trusted core of musicians. Wright brandished 18 songs, demoed and arranged meticulously so the band could follow his lead. But Wright wasn’t ready to call it a wrap with the resulting recordings.
“I didn’t like the songs once I heard them, so I scrapped all but three or four,” Wright says. “It had hooks and melodies but it was empty. It didn’t feel or sound right at all.”
So for dive two, Wright retreated – literally. He headed north to coastal Oregon to hole up in a friend’s hotel just a few weeks shy of Christmas. Once there, Wright followed the same ritual for a week: breakfasts fueled by coffee and eggs sunny-side up; long beach walks listening to Bob Dylan’s Basement Tapes; hunkering down with his Gibson J-45, letting lyrics and melodies surface.
Then there was the vision: “I was picturing a band playing these songs – my friends – and I could hear what was going to happen: a band in a room, guys who really love each other and are really tight.”
Back in L.A. for take two – with a dozen new songs to learn on the spot – Wright and his buddies nailed it. He sought the spontaneity of live show, a roots-rock hoot to smolder and sting, and he got it. But the resulting album also reflects something more: a shadow-meets-light intensity where regret and hope square off.
Take “Weird Winter,” a mournful minor-key masterwork that blends images of transition, desperation and grief in best Guy Clark fashion – rich and evocative, yet leaving enough space for the listener to fill in the blanks with their own backstory.
The songs on Rattle Their Chains are personal, but they also invite the listener to settle into them with ease and familiarity.
Besides Dylan and the Band, Wright also found himself drawn to “the storytelling of Texas songwriters. I find myself really into Townes Van Zandt; he had so many beautiful songs. Woody Guthrie lived there, and there’s something in the water in Texas. It’s where all these great stories come from. But I’m also influenced by great rock and roll: The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and things like that.”
Wright’s rock savvy is apparent on the sonic juggernaut “Hear What I Want.” With echo-laden piano, slide guitar and churning drums, the song yields a neo-psychedelic vision of a relationship where what goes in one ear comes out the other.
“This record was completely different from House on Fire, where I played most of the instruments myself, with a producer. I just wanted to hole up and make an album by myself. But this new record was just the opposite; I was in a really good place, playing bar gigs with my friends, and that’s what I wanted this record to sound like. And when we come together, it’s a sound like no other.”
That resulting sound is Rattle Their Chains. Albums created with such abandon and persistence are uncommon, and Wright’s pursuit of his art is itself a rare thing. That it yielded music so brilliant makes it all the more remarkable.
Track listing for Rattle Their Chains:
1. Over Yet Blues
2. We Don’t Live There
3. Red Rooster Social Club
4. Haunted
5. Hear What I Want
6. Weird Winter
7. The Good Dead Queen
8. Face Of the Earth
9. Can’t Stand To Listen
10. You Got It All
11. Rosalee
12. Love My Little Baby
Music News, Press Releases

Donna The Buffalo Makes “Everlasting Impression” with New Album,Tonight, Tomorrow and Yesterday, Available Now

Donna The Buffalo Makes “Everlasting Impression” with New Album,Tonight, Tomorrow and Yesterday, Available Now
25-Year touring veterans head to West Coast for summer tour with stops in multiple major markets
The album catapults to the No. 12 position on the Americana charts at radio this week
[Source: Sugar Hill Records]
Nashville, Tenn. (June 18, 2013) — As they unveil their first new album in five years, Tonight, Tomorrow and Yesterday, the across-the-board praise from critics proclaims roots-music troubadours Donna the Buffalo have skillfully assembled a fine set that bolsters their longtime status as a celebrated, exceptionally talented mainstay in Americana music.
Released today, June 18, Tonight, Tomorrow and Yesterday finds Donna the Buffalo more energized and focused than ever before in their near 25-year career. The follow up to 2008’s acclaimed Silverlined, which reached the Top 10 on the Americana charts, Tonight, Tomorrow and Yesterday—the group’s 10th studio album—proves the band as a consistent steward of Americana music, their signature sound—traditional mountain music infused with elements of Cajun, rock, folk, reggae and country—an eclectic and extraordinary melting pot of such.
Here’s just a sampling of what the press are saying about Tonight, Tomorrow and Yesterday:
“This set…highlights everything this consistent band does, and it has a warm, live-sounding production… The end result is one of Donna the Buffalo’s best outings. This is what 21st century Americana sounds like, a little bit of this and that from anywhere wrapped up into a poignant, jamming dance reel, a place where the past and history meet easily in the immediate now and everybody feels like dancing.”
– All Music
“…This new effort revels in the kind of rousing enthusiasm that’s made the Donnas such festival favorites in recent years. The uninitiated ought to take note –Tonight, Tomorrow and Yesterday is as its title implies, the kind of album destined to make an everlasting impression.”
– The Bluegrass Situation
“Tonight plants homegrown peace and love in flower-powered honky-tonk whose rockin’ goodwill two-steps between groovy patchouli zydeco and tasty jam-band reggae.”
– Maximum Ink
“Next time Donna the Buffalo throws a house party, I definitely want to go. After decades on the festival scene, this energetic band has acquired a super-dedicated fan base known as the Herd — and at some point…I would love to see them all bopping along with [I Love My Tribe’s] irresistible chorus.”
– CMT Edge
In its first week at Americana radio, the album was No. 2 Most Added. In its second week, the it debuted Top 20 on the Americana radio chart, and this week the album catapulted to No. 12.
The music video for “I Love My Tribe” also enjoyed an exclusive premiere on CMT Edge. Watch the video filmed in and around Nashville–and featuring a cameo from Jim Lauderdale–here.
In support of the new album, Donna the Buffalo has a hefty tour lined up for the summer season, which includes a few weeks on the West Coast. They kick things off at the Red Ants Pants Festival in Montana on July 26 and travel throughout the Northwest before heading for shows at the Mint in Los Angeles and Pappy and Harriet’s in Pioneertown, CA. Saturday, August 8 marks the band’s return to The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, followed by shows in Santa Cruz, Chico and then Utah for appearances in Monroe and Park City. They then perform in Denver before wrapping the tour at Wyoming’s Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival.
Donna the Buffalo West Coast Summer Tour:
Fri 7/26 White Sulphur Springs, MT – Red Ants Pants Festival
Sat 7/27 Spokane, WA – The Center
Sun 7/28 Seattle, WA – The Tractor
Mon 7/29 Portland, OR – Doug Fir Lounge
Tue 7/30 Eugene, OR – WOW Hall
Thu 8/1 Los Angeles – The Mint
Fri 8/2 Pioneertown, CA – Pappy and Harriets
Sat 8/3 San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall (Presented by Jambase)
Sun 8/4 Santa Cruz, CA – Moe’s Alley
Mon 8/5 Chico, CA – The Big Room @ The Sierra Nevada
Wed 8/7 Monroe, UT – Mystic Hot Springs
Thu 8/8 Park City, UT – Newpark Town Center
Fri 8/9 Denver, CO – Oriental Theatre
Sat 8/10-11 Alta, WY – Targhee Bluegrass Fest at Grand Targhee
The most up-to-date touring information can be found at www.donnathebuffalo.com/tour-dates.
About Donna the Buffalo
Closing in on the quarter-century mark, Donna the Buffalo–comprised of founding members and songwriter-vocalists Jeb Puryear and Tara Nevins and band members David McCracken, Kyle Spark and Mark Raudabaugh–has developed one of most respected ‘brands’ in the world of touring roots acts, along with a well-deserved reputation for crafting social narratives and danceable grooves without equal. With 10 studio albums under their belt, the band has been praised as having “earned a reputation as one of the most respected, eclectic and hardest-working acts today” (Encore). Led by Puryear and Nevins, Donna the Buffalo marries musical trailblazing and tradition, their music running the gamut of what is defined as “roots music.” Throughout its career the band has traveled millions of miles and spent nearly a quarter of a century performing at the country’s most prestigious festivals and clubs. Their fervent fan base, nicknamed The Herd, follows the band with zeal and has created a unique and supportive community online and at DTB shows across the nation. As an extension of this community and the band’s own dedication to live roots music, Donna the Buffalo started its own annual event—The Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance—20 years ago in upstate New York, which draws more than 15,000 people every year, and have since added to the GrassRoots festival family with Shakori Hills in NC and the Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival in Florida. On June 18, 2013, the band released its 10th studio album, Tonight, Tomorrow and Yesterday, via Sugar Hill Records.
###
[Get Connected with Donna the Buffalo]
Music News, Press Releases

Mike Aiken’s “Save The Whales” Video Is Pure Americana

Mike Aiken’s “Save The Whales” Video Is Pure Americana

Country Joe McDonald’s Classic Tune Morphs Into 1880s Sea Chantey, Puts Focus On Extinction Issues

Source: So Much Moore Media

Nashville, TN (June 19, 2013) — Mike Aiken’s “Save The Whales” video offers compelling vintage film clips and photos interspersed with more modern images to drive home the deadly-serious issue of whale extinction.  Aiken’s taunting, spirit-filled vocal is riveting on this classic Country Joe McDonald song which morphs into an 1880s sea chantey.

 

 

Save The Whales Video Link

“This is an issue that’s really close to my heart,” says the Virginia-based singer/songwriter. “I’ve spent a good part of my life on the sea – sailing the waters from New Bedford to Halifax and the Azores and watching these gentle giants,” he recalls.  “To see them so close to extinction because of man’s folly is just criminal to me.”

 

A vocal supporter of sound ecological principles, Aiken thought this song might be “cool” enough to draw attention to the plight of these glorious creatures.  “It captures a subtle mix of the romance of the sea and the reality of modern-day slaughter,” Mike says.  A “hippy, gypsy-feeling” track reels us back in time to the days when whales were plentiful and there was some honor in the difficult days at sea and the danger of the harvest.

 

Mike has felt an affinity for the creatures for many years, and oh, the tales he can tell.  One night in particular draws his memory these days, though, and it takes us back to 1994:

 

“We were two days out of Nova Scotia, making an ESE course heading for the Azores.  I was on a night watch, we were sailing along comfortably in thick fog watching for ships and icebergs as best we could.  My wife Amy was asleep below and I was harnessed in, sitting on the starboard side of the cockpit, leaning against the coaming, soaking in the sounds and watching the instruments for changes when right behind me I heard a whale breach.  I turned to see his back going under not a yard from the boat, aiming for us.  I was startled and grabbed hold of the handrail and waited for the impact.  Surely this giant was going to collide with our keel.  But no.  A couple of minutes later, the same thing happened and I jumped again but this time more intrigued.  We continued on together like this for probably a mile when way off in the distance through the fog I heard a tail slapping the water like a child being called home from the playground.  ‘My’ whale surfaced one more time and then was off.  We’d been enjoying the company of these giants since we arrived off the New England coast and the sightings continued to Nova Scotia and on to the Azores.  When they catch your eye, man, they look right through you.”

Mike and his wife live aboard their 42′ sailboat based out of southern Virginia and so they see man’s impact on the environment in a way many of us can only imagine.  “It’s going down daily,” Aiken notes.  “Between the decimation of this planet’s creatures and the cartin’ off of coal, we are destroying our air, our land, our waters and our futures.   If we don’t start turning this around, who will?”

 

It’s a question that deserves an answer and Mike is hoping that his thought-provoking video will draw attention to the issues impacting our planet – and lead us to a solution.  The clip, produced and directed by Andrew Piland for Hawksilver Productions, broke last week on BILLBOARD.com and it’s now garnering attention on Mike’s YouTube site as well.  Mike hopes the number of views continues to increase – not to help further his career – but so that more people will become involved in this cause and a change can be effected.

 

“Save The Whales” is from Aiken’s sixth CD,CAPTAINS & COWBOYS, on Northwind Records.  The track features the outstanding musicianship of Mike Grando/drums, Dan Baird/bass & electric guitar, Mike Aiken/acoustic & electric guitars and vocals, Tammy Rogers/fiddle, Michael Webb/accordion, Amy Aiken/percussion & background vocals and Ben Strano/background vocals.  The CD was produced by Baird, Strano and Aiken.

 

 

 

 

Click links for recent interviews and reviews:

The Alternate Root

Billboard

The Celebrity Café

The Entertainment Bank

FAME

Outlaw Magazine

Talkapolis

Very Best of Virginia

 

Discover more about whales and their plight at Greenpeace, Whale Trust and Whale and Dolphin Conservation.

 

www.mikeaikenmusic.com

 

### 
Music News, Press Releases

Darling Parade Takes Home the ‘Make A Band Famous’ Award at O Music Awards

Source: Webster PR

Darling Parade Takes Home the ‘Make A Band Famous’
Award at O Music Awards

FAN VOTES GIVE DARLING PARADE OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME TO PLAY VMA WEEKEND AND BE FEATURED AS MTV’S ARTIST TO WATCH

MORE THAN 100 MILLION VOTES CAST DURING THE BIGGEST SOCIAL AND MOBILE DRIVEN O MUSIC AWARDS TO DATE

DarlingParade_PromoPic1New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, June 21, 2013 –  MTV, VH1, CMT and LOGO’s O Music Awards ended Thursday with one final loud crashing beat of a drum. During the course of the 24-hour event hosted by Sklar Brothers,  awards were dolled out in categories like “Best Artist Instagram,” “Best Music App,” and “Fan Army FTW,” Andrew W.K. landed a place in the history books after successfully drumming his way to a new world record, Darling Parade won a coveted slot to play VMA weekend, while more than 50 bands, 5 kittens and one goat took part in “Live Music Day Festival,” the world’s largest online/mobile only music festival.

More than 100 million votes were cast, a new O Music Awards record, and more than doubling the votes from O Music Awards 3. The event blazed an outpouring of conversation and fan action across Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Vine. O Music Awards content garnered 125 million fan impressions on Twitter, including 3 national trending topics.  The event secured 60 million impressions on Facebook, and 5k likes on Vine. More than 500k livestreams were registered.

For the first time, the O Music Awards featured “Make a Band Famous” award and opportunity.  Artists and bands first opted into the contest via Viacom Music Group’s Artist Platform (Artists.MTV, Artists.VH1, and Artists.CMT), with 10 semifinalists determined by internal committee and fan engagement.  After nearly one million votes, the five top vote-getters (in alphabetical order) Chill Moody, Darling Parade, The So So Glos, Striking Matches and Syd Arthur won a shot to play during “Live Music Day Fesitval.” During the live show, fan votes determined that Darling Parade will get a once-in-a-lifetime shot to play the VMA weekend in August, as well as the distinction of becoming MTV’s Artist to Watch highlighted band.

“We’re so appreciative of our fans for bringing this award home for us, and we’re ecstatic to see where this opportunity takes us!,” said Kristin Kearns of Darling Parade.
Darling Parade Talk About Their Fans
http://www.omusicawards.com/watch/video/920360

Darling Parade Performs “Ghost”
http://www.omusicawards.com/watch/video/920897

Fans that missed any of the action, want to check out some cool emerging bands, or just want to see more of Pearl the Goat or Andrew WK drumming out with Marky Ramone, can go to OMusicAwards.com on their phone, tablet or desktop.

In a nod to web culture and memes, categories included “Digital Genius Award,” “Most Inspiring Fan Outreach,” and “Friday Friday Award,” which celebrates the trends we would most like to go away. Presenters included a mix of comedians, television stars and even a few fabulous drag queens. The big winners of the night were Jack White for Analog Genius, Joe Jonas for Best Artist Instagram,Kitty for Best Web-Born Artist and CrowdSYNC for Best Music App. Full list of winners are below.

Joe Jonas had this to say about his win: “I don’t think anyone has ever won an award for being an on Instagram before, so it’s cool to be the first one. Thanks to all of the fans that voted.”

Spoofing previous O Music Award world records, Andrew W.K. bravely sought to set a new world record for himself for the LONGEST DRUM SESSION IN A RETAIL STORE.  To aid in this rhythmic feat of endurance, he was joined by a who’s who of drummers including Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Marky Ramones (The Ramones), The Roots band leader and drummer ?uestlove, Zac Hanson (Hanson), Liberty DeVitto (former drummer for Billy Joel) and more.  Even Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr. stopped by to play the cowbell. After 24-hour banging hours, Andrew W.K. had this to say about setting the new record and winning the award for “Must Follow-Artist” on Twitter:

“I’m humbled, my ears are ringing bad, I’m emotional and I’ve never felt so spent in my life. But I’m so thankful for everyone that contributed and supported me,” said Andrew W.K. immediately after setting the record.

This year’s O Music Awards was built around “Live Music Day Festival,” which included more than 50 bands performing in New York, Nashville, and Los Angeles. The show kicked off with Jonas Brothers performing medley of songs off their highly anticipated, upcoming fifth album, including their latest single, “First Time,” Additional performers included Gavin DeGraw, Hanson, Atlas Genius, Kate Nash, Grouplove, and Ashley Monroe. Full list of performers are below.

Sponsors for O Music Awards are Pepsi, Twix and Sony Pictures.

O Music Awards Executive Produced by Lee Rolontz, Dermot McCormack and Rick Krim for Viacom. Produced by Paul Flattery. Directed by Ivan Dudynsky

O Music Awards Winners:
Jack White ­Analog Genius
Joe Jonas ­Best Artist Instagram
Lost in the Echo by Linkin Park ­Best Interactive Video
CrowdSYNC ­Best Music App
The Bonhamizer ­Best Music Hack
Kitty ­Best Web-Born Artist
Yoko Ono ­Digital Genius Award
Tokio Hotel Aliens ­ Fan Army FTW
Avicii ­Most Inspiring Fan Outreach
Andrew W.K.­ Must-Follow Artist on Twitter
Seapunk ­Next Big Scene
Lil Bub ­Favorite Musical Cat
Lip Dubs ­Friday Friday Award
The Stars (Are Out Tonight) by David Bowie ­Too Much Ass for TV

Live Music Day Festival Performers

2AM Club K. Michelle
AndrewAndrew Marie Miller
Andrew W.K. Asher Monroe
Atlas Genius Moon Taxi
Rayland Baxter Ashley Monroe
Blackberry Smoke The Mowglis
The Cadillac Three Kate Nash
Caiyo Matt Nathanson
Chill Moody Oberhofer
Brandy Clark Vicci Martinez
Kat Dahlia Chrisette Michele
Dinner and a Suit Matthew Perryman Jones
Darling Parade NIGHT RIOTS
Electro Shine Parmalee
Gavin DeGraw Robert Schwartzman
A Great Big World Marc Scibilia
GROUPLOVE Scars on 45
The Features Travi$ Scott
Hanson SHEL
Luke James Langhorne Slim
JOHNNYSWIM The Stepkids
Jonas Brothers Natalie Stovall
Kopecky Family Band The So So Glos
Josh Krajcik Striking Matches
Lord Huron Syd Arthur
Electro Shine Nikki Williams
Vicci Martinez X Ambassadors

About Darling Parade:
Darling Parade’s music has been featured extensively on ABC Family’s “The Lying Game,” The CW’s “Flygirls,” Syfy’s “Stargate Universe,” andShowtime’s “Shameless.” They’ve shared the stage with Cassadee Pope,Chevelle, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Stephen Jerzak, Plumb, The Ataris and more. Their music has been reviewed and featured by AOL, MSN, Billboard,Pollstar, Last.FM, Metrolyrics.com, RDIO, Spotify and more. The band is the reigning 2012-2013 Channel One “Artist Of The Year” and their music is currently being played on AOL Radio, Radio.com, Slacker Radio and more. Darling Parade was chosen to star in Supercuts’ national “Rock the Cut” campaign that will begin airing July 1, 2013.

For more information, visit www.darlingparade.com.

# # #