Alice and The Vampire Queen will be available on digital starting February 13, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Breaking Glass Pictures, a leading independent film distribution company based in Philadelphia, is thrilled to announce its collaboration with acclaimed writer-director Dan Lantz on the upcoming horror film Alice and The Vampire Queen. CEO Rich Wolff expresses excitement about working on multiple projects with Lantz, stating, “Dan’s unique vision and storytelling prowess continue to captivate audiences, and it has been a pleasure collaborating on multiple films with him.” Alice and the Vampire Queen will rise this February 13 on digital. (October Coast, 2024)
Directed by Dan Lantz, and starring Shelby Hightower, Graham Wolfe, Brenna Carnuccio, Rachel Aspen, Danielle Muehlen, Xavier Michael, Chris James Boylan, and Aaron Dalla Villa, the film centers around an ex-con, Alice Oldman, who struggles to overcome her past scars. A mysterious stranger offers her a deal: create one special dish for his boss, the Vampire Queen.
The film, the latest from director Lantz (Alpha Rift, Bloodrunners) had a successful limited theatrical run in 2023. Produced by Dan Lantz, Richard Wolff, and Susan Helfrich, it explores themes of resilience, transformation, and the power of choice as Alice confronts not only the external threats posed by the supernatural forces at play but also the internal demons she must conquer to forge her path to redemption.
The Carousel is Backstrom’s debut album. It is available now on Spotify. Photo: Backstrom, used with permission.
When it comes to music, I love all types of music. Well, almost all of them, but my favorite genre is rock. With the new year comes the release of new music by artists everywhere. Today I am pleased to announce a new release this month from Backstrom.
Backstrom is a Swedish songwriter in the genres of Folk, Country, and Rock. His debut album The Carousel (feat. Bart Topher) was released today. If you enjoy this type of music or just enjoy discovering new artists, consider this new release. Backstrom’s music is available on Spotify and you can follow the artist on Instagram. (Backstrom, 2024)
Get to know a little bit about Backstrom in this Q & A:
Question: Who are the band members and what do they play? Backstrom: Backstrom was initially the only “band member” or the songwriter. But I worked with a lot of great session musicians who played a huge role in this project and more or less became band members in the end. For this album, Bart Topher does vocals on eight songs and has also written three lyrics. Tommy Jones wrote three lyrics as well. Fransisco Paz plays all drums and percussion and helped out with a lot of instrumental production. Luca Giannotti plays a lot of guitars on the folk songs and also some bass. Kimberly Faith does harmonies on 6 songs. Hernan Ian plays guitars on the country songs. Maciek Szczyciński play most bass. And there’s a lot more who deserves credit in this project.
Q: Can you tell us anything about the recording process? B: I wrote the ground material in the winter season and started out by doing a simple demo myself of the songs during the spring – then I spent the rest of the year hiring different session musicians to improve the sound and instrumental quality of the songs. So the whole album is more or less done online and I’ve been sending files back and forth around the world. Gabe Wolf made a great contribution mixing and mastering the songs in the end.
Q: How and where did you get together? B: I hired all musicians through Fiverr.
Q: Have you played any notable gigs, festivals or other events? B: No, this is mostly about songwriting and not live performance.
Q: What are the band’s main influences? B: In general Leonard Cohen, Mark Lanegan but it stretches all the way from Townes Van Zandt to the Rolling Stones and beyond in some songs.
Q: Can you briefly describe what the song/each song is about? A: It’s not always a deep thought behind every line, it needs to sound good as well, and I prefer to leave the underlying interpretation to the listener!
Q: What are you most happy about with the record? A: I think we managed to get a quite unique sound, it doesn’t sound so much like anything else out there.
‘Karen the Origin Story’ is the second book in the Amish Sovereignty series by Andre Johnson. Photo: Andre Johnson, used with permission.
Literature and fiction does not always have to be so serious. Humor is essential to lighten life’s heavier moments, especially when dealing with history and everyday life. By now we have all heard of the term ‘Karen’ in modern slang. It usually refers to a middle class white woman who is seen as extraordinarily entitled or demanding. Today’s book highlight is “Karen the Origin Story” by Andre Johnson and it touches on that subject; it is available on Amazon. If you enjoy the lighter side of fiction, consider this humorous title by Andre Johnson.
Andre Johnson is the author of “Karen the Origin Story,” book 2 of 3 in the Amish Sovereignty series which also includes “Amish” and “Karen the Horror Story.”
“Karen the Origin Story” Noah and Anita are fraternal Amish twins. These twins and two of their friends go on their Rumspringa. While on Rumspringa, the group realizes that things are a little different and that they really like chili cheese fries. Midway though Rumspringa, they realize that they need to make a difference before going home. (Andre Johnson, 2024)
For anyone unfamiliar with Rumspringa, it is a rite of passage and period of growth for Amish young people during which they face fewer restrictions on their behavior and are not subject to the usual community norms. It usually begins at age 16 and ends when a youth chooses to either be baptized in the Amish church or leave the community. (Google)
‘The Law of Beasts, Book 1 – Act 1’ is the new book by Dapharoah69. Photo: Dapharoah69, used with permission.
Fantasy fiction takes place in faraway imaginary worlds that contain supernatural beings and creatures, including vampires. Vampires make for some of the most fascinating storylines I have read; especially when there is some type of power struggle between warring factions involved. Today’s new book release by the talented storyteller Dapharoah69 is one such book. “The Law of Beasts, Book 1 – Act 1” features Khovahsh Burgoos, a nine thousand-year-old member of the Dragonhead Ancients, and introduces readers to Alicia Chay, a sadistic queen of torture. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? Don’t wait! Get your copy today and find out what happens next. “The Law of Beasts, Book 1 – Act 1” is available on Amazon.
Dapharoah69 is a multi-award-winning, best-selling, independent literary force born in Salinas, California and raised in Goulds, Florida. For twenty years, he has entertained millions of fans around the globe with his unapologetic writing. He is an LGBTQIA sex symbol, spoken word artist, poet, HIV activist, actor, professional model, dancer, literary icon, and a living legend. His success and killer ink have influenced a sea of writers in numerous countries for two decades. (Dapharoah69, 2024)
He wrote “The Law of Beasts, Book 1 – Act 1” of his vampire series in June of 1998 before he became Dapharoah69 at the age of 22. He was known as Ja’Breel Le’Diamond. He published his first book when he was homeless. He has penned thirteen books and three memoirs and notched ten Amazon and Barnes and Noble Top 100 bestsellers. He won Book of the Year and Male Author of the Year via the African-American On the Move Book Club, The Men of Integrity Award from Utopian LLC and a Certificate of Recognition from the New York State Senate for his literary achievements.
“The Law of Beasts, Book 1 – Act 1” – Khovahsh Burgoos, an elitist demi-shifting reincarnate, is a nine thousand-year-old member of the Dragonhead Ancients. Alicia Chay, the sadistic queen of torture, ruled for forty centuries under the identity of someone else. With a family of savages as her fledgling, she detests mortals, but she loves feeding on them for blood. She became a vampire, built The House of the Hounds and created a treaty without clearance from the Dragonhead Ancients or the Queen Mother, Armona. Alicia hunts down insubordinate vampires that illegally use human bodies to harm precious animal life. Meanwhile, she is being observed by Khovahsh. He has direct orders to deceive her, but he has his own agenda. When they encounter each other, a chain of events compromises her life and opens the door for Muzzle, an angry villain, to threaten her for turning her back on The House of the Hounds.
Midnight Peepshow will have a digital release on February 13, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Attention horror movie fans! As I always say, it’s always the perfect time for a horror movie. There’s a new horror/thriller movie coming to digital on February 13, 2024. Perhaps in just in time for Valentine’s Day, if you and your valentine like these types of movies. Don’t miss Midnight Peepshow.
In Midnight Peepshow, we are introduced to an unnamed Madame who owns and operates a peepshow offering patrons a tailor-made experience wrapped around their deepest desires, fears, and sins. Tonight, it welcomes a businessman who has a unique connection to an extreme fantasy website on the dark web. He soon becomes a witness to three stories of victims who found the same website, and now the Midnight Peepshow has found him. It will only be a matter of time before he is made to pay the ultimate price for dabbling in the dark side of his own desire. (October Coast, 2024)
Director: Airell Anthony Hayles, Andy Edwards, Jake West, Ludovica Musumeci
Cast: Zach Galligan, Chiara D’Anna, Richard Cotton, Sarah Diamond, Jamie Bacon, Derek Nelson, Jack Fairbank. Miki Davis, Ryan Oliva, Ocean M. Harris
The sci-fi metaphysical thriller Reflect will be released on cable Video On Demand and Digital HD on January 9, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Cranked Up Films is excited to kick off their 2024 slate with the North American VOD release of Reflect, the feature film debut of writer/director/star Dana Kippel. The sci-fi metaphysical thriller follows a group of friends on a spiritual obstacle course hoping to improve their lives, but they don’t know they are being monitored by mysterious hooded entities, eager to take over their bodies. Reflect debuts on Digital VOD January 9, 2024, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. (Justin Cook PR, 2024)
Dana Kippel headlines the film as Summer, rounded out by a cast including Grace Patterson, Jadelyn Breier, Marissa Patterson, Ariana Williams, Corey Brooks, Eric Scott Woods, Dash Katz, Maya Knell, Ryan Jack Connell, and Joe Filippone. Kippel produced under her Crazy Carrot Films shingle, alongside Zac Coats, Ryan Jack Connell, Brian Duss, Grace Patterson, Loan Thach, and Rhiannon Moller-Trotter. Michael DeLano of COTU Media served as executive producer.
Reflect world premiered at the Chandler International Film Festival and went on to screen at the Boston Science Fiction Film Festival, the Sydney Science Film Festival, and the ETHOS Film Awards International Film Festival.
Reflect –
Unhappy with her current relationship, Summer sets out on a road trip to Sedona, AZ, accompanied by her four gal pals to a spiritual obstacle course. Upon arriving, they are greeted by their uncanny host, Hermes who leads them into the vast desertscape which becomes the foreground for the interdimensional game show they unknowingly are participating in.
Transported, they begin a colorful, surrealistic journey of the soul, diving into issues surrounding trauma, mental health, and female relationships. The girls start to go missing one by one as we discover mysterious hooded figures are following them. As the tension rises, who will figure out how to escape this and become the last one standing, ultimately winning The Game of Life?
Touring musician Brandon Taj Hanick founded Indie Town and invites bands and artists to book better tours and strengthen their DIY communities at home and across the world. Photo: Google
After two decades of releasing albums and touring in the U.S. and Europe with bands King of Prussia, Future Lives, and more, Athens, Ga. songwriter Brandon Taj Hanick has co-founded Indie Town, the completely free, invite-only app that lets independent bands and artists easily find, connect and share with one another. (Indie Town, 2023)
Calling it “the first international DIY artist community,” Hanick co-founded the app to help bands and artists connect, book shows and tours together, and share their creations without the burden of repressive algorithms or pay-for-play schemes.
Unlike existing social media platforms, Indie Town is exclusively built for musicians and artists. Featuring easy-to-create music and video players on profiles, the app lets artists search for community members by genre, location or name, listen to members’ music, check out photos and videos, send messages, and become friends.
“After touring and making albums for years, my friends and I knew there was something missing for DIY bands and artists: An easy way to meaningfully connect the people we’d meet on tour who are creating thriving, interesting music scenes,” said Hanick.
“Community is important to artists, but there wasn’t a digital indie town square,” he continued. “So we built a place to reflect the DIY spirit that drives creativity and creation through collaboration.”
Since Indie Town’s soft launch in November 2023, artists and music community members from all over the U.S. and 13 countries, including The U.K., Brazil, Sweden, Canada, Spain, Portugal, South Africa and Czech Republic, have joined the community.
Indie Town streamlines community-building by integrating music and video players from Bandcamp, Spotify, YouTube and Soundcloud, so bands can easily create their profiles – which serve as mini-websites – in about 90 seconds.
Bands choose from genres like lo-fi, hip hop, glam or bedroom, plus 50 more. “Artist community” users include DIY venues, small labels, zines, videographers and studios, among others.
What early members are saying:
“Indie Town will be transformative in helping bands alleviate some of the headaches of booking. It’s something we’ve needed for a long time and I’m stoked about what it will mean for touring musicians!” – Athens, Ga. songwriter/musician Annie Leeth
“Independent bands make our world more beautiful and weird, so we shouldn’t be forced to use artless, celebrity-obsessed platforms to connect with other artists. Indie Town is built for DIY artists, by DIY artists.” – Porto, Portugal songwriter/singer Vasco Batista (Big Summer)
Your Very Own Dream is set for a January 19 release. Photo: Clay Parker and Jodi James
Before their artistic paths converged in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in late 2014, Clay Parker and Jodi James roamed the musical landscape as lone troubadours, each nurturing their own raw and genuine sound. Now, almost a decade after their first long-distance co-writing collaborations, the duo’s distinct sound has maintained a minimalist yet unpredictable quality—in part by reflecting the ways the artists themselves have changed both together and as individuals. Following their self-titled debut EP in 2016 and 2018’s The Lonesomest Sound That Can Sound, the duo who jokingly refers to themselves as a “band without a name” are returning with a brand new LP in 2024: Your Very Own Dream will be released on January 19, 2024. (IV-PR, 2023)
Parker and James have gained a fanbase by creating worlds within their records, populating each song with points of view that are archetypical yet unique. With Your Very Own Dream, the pair hones this technique to a razor’s edge; equal parts plaintive folk existentialism, blue-note bluster, prairie-fire idealism, and fever-dream ballad with which fans of Angel Olsen, Sharon Van Etten, and Gillian Welch & Dave Rawlings will feel right at home. Parker and James consistently present music that carves a most-direct, excess-free path to its listeners and patiently displays the duo’s true nature as creators of a primitive kind of beauty—stark yet expressive, accessible yet deep, shadowy yet real.
The duo recently released the first single from Your Very Own Dream, the James-led, slow-burner, “Nothing At All.” Fooling very little with the trivial and getting to the heart of the matter quickly, “Nothing At All” rides a mellow, mid-tempo arrangement akin to late 90s alt-country acts like Whiskeytown or Uncle Tupelo; a heartbeat of Americana music in the modern age where the song comes first and everything else is lagniappe.
Your Very Own Dream track list: Fire For The Water Hey Hey Hey Nothing At All In The Cool Of The Evening Flatfoot How High Would I Have To Fly A Matchbook Song Your Very Own Dream
Catch Clay Parker and Jodi James on tour: January 19 – Baton Rouge, LA – MidCity Ballroom – Album Release Show February 16 – Galveston, TX – Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe February 17 – Austin, TX – House Show February 18 – Austin, TX – NeWorlDeli February 19 – Oklahoma City, OK – House Show February 21–25 – Kansas City, MO – Folk Alliance International February 28 – Nashville, TN – 5 Spot February 29 – Dunlap, TN – House Show March 1 – Chattanooga, TN – The Woodshop March 2 – LaGrange, GA – Pure Life House of Music
‘Cosmic Kids: Spacewalk to Kindness’ is the new children’s book by Alex L. Walker. Photo: Alex L. Walker, used with permission.
Children’s books are so versatile because they can be educational, entertaining, or both. They can be instrumental in teaching children important life lessons, inspiring creativity, and cultivating social skills. If you are looking for the perfect gift for the child in your life or to add to your child’s library, consider today’s new children’s book release. Written by Alex L. Walker, “Cosmic Kids: Spacewalk to Kindness” is the first in the Cosmic Kids book series and teaches children important values such as kindness, compassion, and empathy. Other books in the series will address Responsibility, Leadership, Respect, and other necessary skills. Pick up your copy today – “Cosmic Kids: Spacewalk to Kindness” is available on Amazon.
With 15 years of experience in children’s learning psychology, Alex L. Walker is a talented author dedicated to nurturing creativity, compassion, confidence, and capability in young individuals. Through his engaging books, he imparts valuable life lessons to children. (Alex L. Walker, 2024)
His debut, “Cosmic Kids: Spacewalks to Kindness,” marks the beginning of a 35-book series. Each book concludes with interactive questions designed to inspire creativity, moral lessons, character insights, and artistic expression. It’s also a valuable resource for parents and teachers to interact with and better understand their children.
Beyond his literary pursuits, Alex finds joy in gardening, beekeeping, and playing table tennis at the local club. Join him on this incredible storybook journey and witness your child grow, learn, and flourish with the timeless wisdom within these pages. (Alex L. Walker, 2024)
“Cosmic Kids: Spacewalk to Kindness”– Cosmic Kids Book 1 Are you ready for an intergalactic adventure through kindness, compassion, and empathy? Meet Astra Lumin, a young navigator excited about her first spacewalk to explore Empathy, the super-sensory satellite. Her mother, Commander Andromeda Lumin, has always told Astra to remember to care for others. So, when Astra meets Hurgul, a young blue-green alien who was really nervous about the upcoming adventure, she decides to follow her mother’s advice. Join Astra and Hurgul on their “Spacewalks of Kindness,” which will help young readers learn more about how empathy and kindness can affect someone’s life and why it is important to encourage inclusivity and cultivate social skills.
Why Kids (And Their Parents) Love “Spacewalks of Kindness” Featuring beautiful illustrations and a heartwarming story, this children’s storybook will help kids understand how to treat others with respect, recognize and manage their feelings, and promote acts of kindness.
Discover The Must-Read Space Educational Kid’s Storybook Series This is the first installment in the “Cosmic Kids” book series. It follows the adventures that the children of space scientists get themselves into and focuses on learning lessons through epic journeys. Other books in the series will cover Curiosity, Responsibility, Leadership, Active Listening, Honesty, Respect, Gratitude, and more.
The Ultimate Gift That Keeps On Giving Whether you are looking for a new educational illustrated storybook for your child or a thoughtful gift idea for your niece, nephew, grandson, or granddaughter, look no further. Surprise any young astronaut today and harness the power of storytelling and eye-catching art to teach valuable lessons.
Put On Your Spacesuit and Get Ready For Blastoff!
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‘Cosmic Kids: Spacewalk to Kindness’ by Alex L. Walker. Photo: Alex L. Walker, used with permission.
Revenge thriller Roadkill will have a theater and Video On Demand release on January 5, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
These are just a few of the new movies coming up in January. (October Coast, 2023)
Norwegian Dream Video On Demand – January 2, 2024 OFFICIAL SELECTION – Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film Festival 2023 NOMINEE – Best First Feature Film, Frameline San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival 2023 NOMINEE – dFlights Award, Off Camera International Festival of Independent Cinema 2023
Cast: Øyvind Brandtzæg, Karl Bekele Steinland, Izabella Dudziak, Runar Koteng Frønes, Hubert Milkowski, Jakub Sierenberg, and Edyta Torhan
Robert, a Polish immigrant working at a fish factory in Norway, has come to earn money to pay off his mother’s debts. Robert realizes he has feelings for his colleague Ivar. For fear of losing his position within a group of Poles at the factory, he hides his feelings, especially when it turns out that Ivar is doing vogue and is an aspiring drag queen.
Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Roadkill Theater and Video On Demand – January 5, 2024 THEATRICAL RELEASE IN THE FOLLOWING CITIES; NY, LA, Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis Starring Caitlin Carmichael, Danielle Harris, Ryan Knudson, Warren Fast, Trenton Hudson Rating: TV-MA Runtime : 90 Mins
Caitlin Carmichael, Ryan Knudson, and horror icon Danielle Harris star in this full-throttle revenge thriller. Written and directed by Warren Fast, Roadkill plays as a throwback to the classic action-thrillers of the 80s and 90s.
Lost while traveling through a rural county in 1983, a young woman crosses paths with a hitchhiker headed the same destination and offers a ride in exchange for directions. Their journey takes a violent turn when the two are caught up in a police manhunt for a fugitive killer. As victims begin to amass and authorities close in, it becomes a fight for survival on the open road. Featuring fun chase sequences, strong special effects and great kills, Roadkill is written and directed by Warren Fast, who also co-stars.
Hellhounds Video On Demand – January 9, 2024 Director: Robert Conway Cast: Nathaniel Burns, Eva Hamilton, Cameron Kotecki, Dana Kippel
A pack of werewolves known as the Hellhounds wage a war against a fanatical order of werewolf hunters called the Silver Bullets. The Hounds and the Bullets now roam the country appearing to the outside world as rival biker gangs. After all his brothers and sisters are wiped out by the Bullets, the last remaining Hellhound, Alias, embarks on a bloody quest of revenge. The hunt is on!
Courtesy photo, used with permission.
A Place of Our Own Theater – January 12 and Video On Demand – January 16, 2024 DIRECTED BY EKTARA COLLECTIVE 2022 INDIA 88 MINS
Shining with quiet authenticity and a fierce heart, A Place of Our Own is the story of two transwomen in Bhopal, India, fighting for a life that is more than marginal. Directed and crewed by the Ekarta Collective, which blends experienced and first-time filmmakers whose lives and identities mirror their characters, this film — which won the Audience Award at the SXSW Film Festival — is crafted with grit and care. Centering on Laila and Rashni as they seek a new home after an unjust eviction, the deceptively simple plot illuminates the wide range of prejudice they face. Determined to find a space to thrive, Laila and Rashni depend on each other and their own inner strength to withstand the hatred that surrounds them. As challenges mount, the women find friends and support in unexpected places. The unwavering dignity of Laila and Rashni — deftly portrayed by first-time actors Manisha Soni and Muskaan, respectively — is the magnetic centerpiece to this intimately shot narrative. With candor and subtle humor, A Place of Our Own ultimately asks not only where, but in whom do we find home.
Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Scalper Theater and Video on Demand – January 16 Director: Chad Ferrin Cast: Susan Priver (Clementine Carter), Jake Busey (Detective Hayden), Bai Ling (Jade Mei), Kate Patel (Detective Lupino), Scott Vogel (Bob Tarkovskiy)
Everyone around psychic Clementine Carter is being brutally murdered by a masked killer dubbed ‘The Scalper.’ Is it dead psycho Andrew Lubitz back from the grave, a copycat killer or a horror beyond imagination? Clementine must use her second sight to stay one step ahead of the maniac’s blade to solve the mystery.
Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Stroking An Animal Theater and Video On Demand – January 16 Director: Ángel Filgueira Cast: Xulio Besteiro (Tomás), Ángela Ríos (Ada), Lidia Veiga (Mariña)
Mariña, Ada and Tomás form an irregular triangle of bodies, intentions, and vibrations. Mariña has an intense love affair with Ada when Tomás, a mutual friend, enters the couple’s intimacy. Six moments of the relationship articulate the film, thrown like flashes of light. The journey of this love triangle will lead Mariña to rethink her bonds with others and her self-care.
SA Examiner 