Key West Film Festival announces the Diana King Memorial Fund

The Key West Film Festival and The Charles and Lucille King Family Foundation are pleased to announce the creation of the Diana King Memorial Fund, in memory of the Foundation’s founder and longtime President and Chair, an outstanding philanthropist recognized for her commitment to educational opportunities in film, television and other media, who passed away in 2019. The five-year grant from the Foundation, beginning with the 10^th Anniversary of the Key West Film Festival November 17-21, 2021, will support Key West Film Festival’s annual celebration of film and filmmakers, as well as student film awards and educational initiatives. (Key West Film Festival, 2021)

“We are beyond grateful for this generous grant from the King Family Foundation. Creativity is alive and thriving through the challenges of the past year – we have seen it in this year’s surplus of film submissions. The Diana King Memorial Fund will help us ensure we can celebrate film, education and student filmmakers for years to come.” – Key West Film Festival Chairman, Brooke Christian

Diana King grew up in the world of television, a daughter of the late Charles King (who founded King World Productions in 1964) and his wife Lucille King. King World became the leading distributor of television syndicated programming in the United States, including such iconic series as The Little Rascals, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy! The Oprah Winfrey Show, Inside Edition, and Dr. Phil. Diana began working in the accounting department of the family business in 1972, and at the time of King World’s acquisition by the CBS Corporation in 2000 served as Executive Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Director.

Diana established the Foundation in 1988 to support individuals and organizations committed to educational excellence and professional development, in film, television, and other media. During her 30-year tenure as Board Chair and President, the Foundation awarded hundreds of scholarships to students with a focus in film, television and related media/communications studies at colleges and universities around the country, in many instances to individuals who would have been financially unable to continue their studies without this assistance. In addition, the Foundation has functioned as a longtime sponsor of programs at several leading cultural and educational institutions around the country.

Honoring creativity, diversity, sustainability and beauty, the Key West Film Festival is an annual celebration of film and filmmakers set to take place November 17-21, 2021. A diverse, entertaining, and artistically rigorous selection of films will be represented through a broad array of categories that offer opportunities for filmmakers, both aspiring and established, to commune and exchange ideas while showing their work to audiences in an historic and artistically vibrant tropical paradise.

Early James releases new music

Early James releases Dan Auerbach-produced 7-inch featuring ‘Tumbleweed’ and ‘Mama Can Be My Valentine.’ Photo: google

Early James, an Alabama native, released his debut album, Singing For My Supper, via Easy Eye Sound and Nonesuch Records on March 13, 2020. The album spans hard-charging blues, wistful folk, and ages-old pop crooning, anchored by the singer’s voice that alternates from gravel-gruff shout to a honey-smooth whisper. James’ inspirations run from Fiona Apple and Tom Waits to the Southern gothic poets, as heard in the album’s darker themes and in the wry humor with which he writes about them. He recently released the Dan Auerbach-produced 7-inch featuring “Tumbleweed” and “Mama Can Be My Valentine.” (Early James, 2021)

“Don’t got no tattoos cause Grandma knew it’d keep you out of heaven,” sings the prolific, eclectic, and flat-out entertaining singer and songwriter Early James in the opening line of his newly released tune, “Tumbleweed.” Further cementing the Americana blend of styles and sounds he has becoming known for, “Tumbleweed” finds James delivering quick, gravelly verses over a jovial fingerstyle guitar part, exploring an idea he describes as “patting yourself on the back while getting pickpocketed.” Finding a song under a previously unturned stone or in the quickness of a passing thought is, his unique vocal delivery notwithstanding, James’s calling card, and “Tumbleweed” is very much on brand.

“‘Tumbleweed’ is about how you’re always kind of in this limbo of thinking you’re smarter than your older self while falling for someone’s new bullshit at the same time,” says James in his profoundly straightforward way. “Tumbleweed” and its b-side, “Mama Can Be My Valentine” are holdover tunes from James’s 2020 debut, Singing For My Supper, produced by Dan Auerbach and released via his Easy Eye Sound label. After a full year of touring was canceled, the tracks were shelved, but are now available digitally at this link and in 7-inch vinyl format through independent record stores, the Easy Eye Sound online store, and at all Early James tour stops. A complete tour schedule is available online.

“Mama Can Be My Valentine,” which fills up side two of this new release on Easy Eye Sound, leans a hair more Bakersfield country, grooving and swirling forward as James lists off his ideal “type” of a yet-unattainable lover. The refrain— “Until then, Mama can be my valentine”—came about out of hilarious necessity. “I didn’t have any songs about Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day so I killed two birds with one stone,” James recalls. Overall, the one-two punch of “Tumbleweed” and “Mama Can Be My Valentine” are a natural extension of the songs from Singing For My Supper, both different examples of just how well James can weave together a story and deliver it with his commanding, earnest voice. “Some people are good singers,” says The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, who decided he needed to produce the singer’s debut album at his Easy Eye Sound studio after watching just two seconds of a video of him performing. “And some people are better than good singers, they just have this great form of expression.” That expression which James possesses is on full display with his new 7-inch release and will officially be getting the live treatment on a healthy run of tour dates with The Lone Bellow this fall.

Catch Early James On Tour:
October 10 – Wildwood Revival – Arnoldsville, GA
October 14 – Proud Larry’s – Oxford, MS #
October 16 – Standard Deluxe Fall Boogie – Waverly, AL
November 4 – Varsity Theater – Minneapolis, MN *
November 5 – Majestic Theatre – Madison, WI *
November 6 – Shank Hall – Milwaukee, WI *
November 7 – Thalia Hall – Chicago, IL *
November 8 – The Ark – Ann Arbor, MI *
November 10 – Taft Theatre – Cincinnati, OH *
November 11 – Asbury Hall Babeville – Buffalo, NY *
November 12 – Center for the Arts of Homer – Homer, NY *
November 13 – Gateway City Arts – Holyoke, MA *
November 14 – Paradise Rock Club – Boston, MA *
November 16 – Webster Hall – New York, NY *
November 17 – Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA *
November 18 – Troy Savings Bank Music Hall – Troy, NY *
November 19 – Vogel Theatre – Red Bank, NJ *
November 20 – 9:30 Club – Washington, DC *
November 21 – Haw River Ballroom – Saxapahaw, NC *

* – with The Lone Bellow
# – with Seratones

Bevar Sea signs with Metal Assault Records

Metal Assault Records is thrilled to announce its first international signing. India stoner/doom metal band Bevar Sea joins the Metal Assault Records roster. Stalwarts of the Indian stoner doom scene for well over a decade in addition to carrying a solid fanbase internationally within the heavy underground, Bevar Sea has inked a multi-album deal with Metal Assault Records and will release the band’s third full-length studio album, The Timeless Zone, in early 2022. Album pre-orders will be launched in Fall 2021. (Metal Assault Records, 2021)

On signing Bevar Sea, Metal Assault Records owner Andrew Bansal states: “This one is special, and close to home (literally). When I briefly moved from Los Angeles to India in 2012-13, little did I know that I’d get to discover this amazing band. I happened to attend a gig in Mumbai wherein I got to see Bevar Sea live for the first time. It was their debut album release show and they left an indelible impression on me with their musicianship and performance that night. I made sure to attend as many of their shows as I could, particularly the ones in their hometown of Bangalore. Even after moving back to the US in 2013, I kept track of Bevar Sea’s progress and stayed in touch with the band members. Fast forward to 2021, they are now signed to my label and I could not be more excited!”

Bevar Sea issued the following statement in celebration of their signing with Metal Assault Records. “Having managed the first two releases ourselves and having seen where most of our fans and orders come from, we looked out for a North America or Europe based label to release The Timeless Zone, essentially to fix some of the issues we’ve had with worldwide distribution and logistics, and also to allow us to focus more on the music itself. We’ve known Andrew as a friend and a fan for many years, and quick trivia, he was also our manager for a short while back in 2012, so his label and its diverse roster is an ideal match for us for this album and beyond.”

Established in 2008, Bevar Sea roared into the live scene in 2011. The following year, their eponymous album was released and earned them rave reviews worldwide along with the title of “Best Emerging Act” at the Rolling Stone Metal Awards India. Bevar Sea also snapped up a performance slot at the coveted Maryland Deathfest in 2013. Their debut album was mixed and mastered by the legendary Billy Anderson. The enthralling 45-min hook-ladened stoner/doom experience quickly garnered the band a firm reputation among fans in their country and internationally. Album track “Abishtu” which tells the story of a serial killer out for hipster blood and on the run from the law quickly became a live show favorite among fans while the 14-min track “Mono Gnome” about a short-statured man and his love for a witch turned out to be the pick in the doom circles.

Bevar Sea followed up their debut album with Invoke the Bizarre in 2015. Drifting into new sonic territories, the band recorded at a breakneck pace over 10 days at Adarsh Recording Studio to complete the album. Mixing and mastering duties were managed by Matt Lynch (LA’s Mysterious Mammal Recording, also from the incredible band Snail). Invoke the Bizarre was well received by music media and fans alike for its intricate song arrangements, unique story-telling and mature, well-rounded execution. Now, five years after releasing Invoke the Bizarre Bangalore’s Bevar Sea utilized the Covid-19 imposed lockdown as an opportunity to regroup and begin working on their third studio album, The Timeless Zone. Against backdrop of enigmatic lyrics portraying a tryst with the consciousness of man during a period of deep introspection; The Timeless Zone pays homage to the glory years of the 70s and 80s hard rock era while keeping things heavy handed in a gloomy haze of gnarly guitar riffs, raspy vocals, and apocalyptic fuzz. Expect even more crushing from Bevar Sea amidst the arrival of The Timeless Zone slated for release early 2022 on Metal Assault Records.

Bevar Sea The Timeless Zone lineup (2021):
Ganesh Krishnaswamy – Vocals
Srikanth Panaman – Guitars
Michael Talreja – Guitars
Avinash Ramchander – Bass

The Timeless Zone track listing:
1. The Timeless Zone
2. Alpha None
3. Sterilise The Divide
4. The Circle
5. Kiss The Sigh
6. Cadaver Awake

*The Timeless Zone*. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Close the Hatch, Insidiant, and more at Ruby Tuesday Live

Live show at Ruby Tuesday this Friday September 17, 2021. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Close the Hatch, Insidiant, NovaGrave and Waste of White will perform at Ruby Tuesday Live in Columbus, Ohio on Friday September 17, 2021. Presented by Epitome of Stupidity Podcast and Ebony Jeanette PR. (Epitome of Stupidity Podcast, 2021)

After nearly eighteen months of pandemic imposed shutdowns, the return of local concerts has come roaring back to life. On Friday September 17, 2021 Dayton, Ohio’s sludge metal doom-bringers Close the Hatch will descend upon Columbus, Ohio for an unforgettable performance at Ruby Tuesday Live.

Presented by Epitome of Stupidity Podcast and Ebony Jeanette PR, the evening will feature Close the Hatch alongside special guests Insidiant (rock/metal) NovaGrave (doom), and Waste of White (alt-metal). Tickets are $8. Doors open at 6p.m.

“This show has been in the works for well over a year and through a pandemic. Happy to finally get it on the books and play some loudness with everyone! There’ll be something for basically everyone, doom, sludge, rock metal the whole nine yards! The virus still blows but come enjoy some good tunes with us!” – Clint Stockham of Epitome of Stupidity Podcast.

Ruby Tuesday Live

Donovan Woods announces new label and first signee Cassidy Mann

Cassidy Mann released ‘Election Night,’ her first single with the label. Photo: google

Award-winning songwriter and recording artist Donovan Woods and his long-time manager Michelle Szeto have just announced the launch of their brand new label, End X Music (End Times Music), distributed via The Orchard, and the border-straddling Toronto and Nashville-based imprint is wasting no time loading their roster with inspiring new talent. End X Music’s first signed artist is Cassidy Mann, who just released “Election Night”—her first single with the label. Written by tweaking melodies with co-producer Roman Clarke (Taylor Janzen, Olivia Lunny), “Election Night” captures the intense awakening and transformation that many people experienced over the four years of the prior U.S. presidency. Please visit this link to watch Mann’s “Election Night” visualizer or click here to stream or purchase “Election Night” today. (End X Music, 2021)

Szeto recalls the moment End X Music’s first signing fell into place: “Since Donovan and I started working together over 5 years ago, the idea of sharing what we’ve learned and the relationships we’ve built with another artist has always thrilled us,” she says. “We never questioned the hard work that would come with it, but rather, we didn’t think we would ever agree on an artist. When we independently came across Cassidy and sent her music to one another, it was a coincidence we couldn’t ignore. Cassidy’s songwriting and production skills are beyond her years, and we’ve been endlessly impressed with her creative instincts.”

Entwining her acoustic roots with gentle electronic textures, Cassidy Mann often reshapes a small moment into a powerful and poetic song that feels both personal and relatable. “My favorite thing is to write about tiny things that make the bigger picture more important somehow.” Mann says. The lyrics of “Election Night” focus on a couple that moved beyond just friends that night but ultimately ended as strangers. “Trump’s Presidency was hell for a lot of people and you hear about that a lot, especially from a political standpoint,” says Mann. “I think it’s a really important conversation, but throughout all of it, I was also craving the more intimate stories. I wanted to explore the idea of how the whole overarching narrative of that time aﬀected people’s personal relationships.

Growing up in the Prairies of Winnipeg, Mann has been singing since she could talk. Her parents bought her a guitar as a birthday present when she was 9. By 14, she started taking songwriting more seriously and her emerging talent led to a nomination for Aboriginal Recording of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards.

More about End X Music: The core of End Times’ mission is transparency and adaptability. In the world of streaming, the data is available. Artists should understand their expenses and their earnings as well as anyone they work with. It allows us to interpret and react to how, why, and where songs are being discovered. There are many pathways to success, and success looks different to everyone. Every artist and every project is unique and artists should be confident that the team built around them is being created thoughtfully and purposefully in service of their individuality. We will focus on songwriters, regardless of genre, and work together to make their music valuable by getting it to people who will use it and love it.

Ryan Kinder’s debut LP Room to Dream

Ryan Kinder’s *Room to Dream* LP is available now. Photo: google

In the age of fitting a mold, country music’s newest renaissance man Ryan Kinder has preserved the influences and nuances which set him apart from the crowd on his road warrior ascent to streaming stardom. His debut full-length album Room To Dream unfolds like a masterclass of how to break free from genre-constraints—with distinctive swings from fuzz-laden guitar licks to feel-good drum programming to radio-ready melodies. For years, Kinder’s signature blend—he says “it’s a riff-roaring rock with a sweet side of Southern soul”—has attracted droves of fans through exceptional musicianship and electrifying live shows. He has taken all of the magic straight from the stage into the studio and the result is the eclectic and exciting Room To Dream. Fans can stream or purchase Room To Dream right now at this link. Nashville fans can catch Kinder at the Listening Room Cafe on August 21, no doubt sharing songs from his new album. Ticket information can be found here. (Ryan Kinder, 2021)

Kinder uses his tour dates to bolster his charitable organization, Kinder’s Kids. One image from the Tuscaloosa tornado stuck with him—a child clutching her teddy bear, surrounded by wreckage where their house used to be. Seeing how that toy brought her comfort, he created Kinder’s Kids to personally deliver toys to children in the aftermath of national disasters. In his tour rider, Kinder asks each venue to supply a toy for the foundation.

Beyond his music career, Kinder has immersed himself in training for triathlons and Ironman competitions. He completed his first distance cycling ride on the Natchez Trace in memory of a friend who had recently died of cancer, ultimately riding 444 miles. On that ride, he talked to his late friend’s racing buddy, who introduced him to the IRONMAN®–where an athlete swims 2.4 miles, rides 112 miles, and runs 26.2 miles. Being told that his late friend had always wanted to do one, Kinder took it upon himself to achieve that dream in his honor. In October, he will compete in the IRONMAN® World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.

Room To Dream Track list:
Something
Hell Is
Room To Dream
Tangled Up
Blame
Southbound
Want
Friends
Jane
Nothing But Time

MerleFest taking place September 16 in Wilkesboro, North Carolina

MerleFest is only a week away and the festival organizers want to remind festivalgoers of a few important details. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

MerleFest, presented by Window World—Wilkesboro, North Carolina’s annual homecoming of musicians and music fans—is only one week away. As the festival nears, organizers want to remind festivalgoers of a few important details. Festival gates will open at 1:30p.m. local time on Thursday and 9:30a.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. (MerleFest, 2021)

All attendees and participants will be required to show one of the following two options along with festival admission passes to enter the festival:

1. Proof of full vaccination. You can present your vaccination card, a paper photocopy, or cell phone photo of your card as proof of your vaccination when you arrive at the festival. Photos/photocopies must show the full card and be legible.

-OR-

2. If you have not been vaccinated or do not have a vaccination card, you must show a printed or digital copy of a negative COVID-19 test performed on you within 72 hours of the time of entry.

Once you have shown a copy of your vaccination card or a copy of your negative COVID-19 test result, you will be issued a “Well wristband” identifying that you have met the safety criteria for entry into the festival. Please do not remove this wristband until the festival is over as this will be good for the entire time you are at the festival. If you lose or remove your well wristband then you will have to go through the process outlined again to receive another well wristband.

The festival strongly recommends that those needing a COVID-19 test get the test before arriving at the festival. Advance planning will save time and avoid waiting in lines. Additional information on all festival protocols can be found by visiting MerleFest.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Milk Carton Kids and We Banjo 3 will no longer be performing at MerleFest and will be replaced in the lineup by Shawn Colvin and Gangstagrass, respectively. Shawn Colvin, along with David Childers, will replace Milk Carton Kids as judges in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest.

Additionally, Andy May’s annual MerleFest Acoustic Kids Showcase will no longer be held for the health and safety of its young participants. Andy and Lauren May released a statement that reads, “We are very sorry to have to let you know that we have decided we must cancel all Acoustic Kids Showcases scheduled for fall, 2021. This was not an easy decision. However, in light of the uncertainty surrounding the current COVID outbreak; out of concern for everyone’s health and well-being (including our own); and following our doctor’s emphatic advice, we see no viable alternative.” Although very disappointed, they look forward to next year’s festival with the hope that things will be back to normal.

Don’t forget to download the MerleFest app to help plan your festival experience. The MerleFest app can point you towards a variety of on-site activities for all ages. In between musical sets, the Shoppes at MerleFest is a centrally located shopping village of commercial vendors, official MerleFest memorabilia, and services such as first aid, lost and found, and internet access. Tickets for this year’s festival are available online.

MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including old-time, classic country, bluegrass, folk and gospel, and blues, and expanded to include Americana, classic rock, and many other styles. The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its 13 stages during the course of the multi-day event. MerleFest is the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects, and other educational needs.

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Alaskan Rhino’s new album: Caverns

Alaskan Rhino released a new album titled *Caverns.* Photo: google

Alaskan Rhino is a producer and musician born and raised in Alaska. Traveling around the world and listening to all sorts of different types of music led him down the path of making the type of music he makes today. Most of the time, it turns out to be experimental electronic music. He just released a new album titled Caverns on September 1, 2021. (Alaskan Rhino, 2021)

Experimental music is a general label for any music that pushes the existing boundaries and genre definitions. Caverns is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. You can follow him on Instagram.

Caverns track listing:
1. Caverns (3:48)
2. Little Child (3:32)
3. The Bird Whistler (2:57)
4. Using My Illusion (2:59)
5. Pain Power (3:12)
6. Someone Came for Me (3:06)
7. Lakes and Rivers (3:39)
8. Falling Down (3:36)
9. I’ll Meet You There (3:42)
10. We Both Know (2:48)

Total Runtime: 30:79

Scott Krokoff’s new single ‘Far Too Many Times’

With a rich sound drawn primarily from his love of 60s and 70s music, New Yorker Scott Krokoff weaves elements of folk rock and country pop into confessional and compelling Americana. He is an evocative and introspective songwriter, and a deft finger-picking in the vein of James Taylor and Paul Simon with “an edge of Replacements styled alt rock to his strum.” (Hiplanta). Scott has opened for Elle King and Grace Weber, toured from Vermont to Nashville, played live in Belgium for his biggest fan, and received radio airplay throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. His new single “Far Too Many Times” is out now. (Scott Krokoff, 2021)

Umphrey’s McGee participates in Ten Bands One Cause

Umphrey’s McGee limited edition pink vinyl of 2009 studio album *Mantis* will be available on November 5, 2021. Photo: google

Umphrey’s McGee is pleased to announce their participation in Ten Bands One Cause, a limited edition vinyl rollout benefiting Red Door Community. Red Door’s mission is to provide welcoming communities for people who are diagnosed with cancer, as well as for caregivers and people who have lost someone to cancer. The limited edition pink vinyl of Umphrey’s Mantis (releasing via Nothing Too Fancy) will be available on November 5, 2021. Mantis, first released in 2009, is the band’s sixth studio album and is not currently available on vinyl. Please visit Ten Bands One Cause for more information on this release and the other limited edition vinyls. The band is pleased to join a whole host of other musicians teaming up to support Red Door Community’s mission—Bush, Grandaddy, Less Than Jake, Minus The Bear, Plain White T’s, Primal Scream, Allman Brothers Band, The Hold Steady, and Tom Tom Club are all participating in addition to Umphrey’s. (Umphrey’s McGee, 2021)

This vinyl announcement comes hot on the heels of Umphrey’s new album called You Walked Up Shaking In Your Boots But You Stood Tall And Left A Raging Bull, which was released earlier this month. Check out the name’s incredible origin story, animated by Pete Herzog, which is comprised of Umphrey’s McGee’s original, instrumental “walk-on music” compositions.

About You Walked Up Shaking In Your Boots But You Stood Tall And Left A Raging Bull: Since 2009, the Chicago-based improv-rock outfit has been using these intro pieces as a jumping-off point in their live shows, but with the studio development of these compositions, the band landed on something much broader than their original walk-on music concept. There is an ultra-thematic, driving energy in each song that reaches beyond just pre-show excitement. Fans can stream or purchase the new album right now at this link.

You Walked Up Shaking In Your Boots But You Stood Tall And Left A Raging Bull is the latest achievement in the career of Umphrey’s McGee, adding to 2,200+ gigs and 250 million+ tracks streamed. You-had-to-be-there moments include the band’s performance at the first-ever Bonnaroo and selling more CDs than any other act on the bill. A leader in the live music world, Umphrey’s McGee became the first group to launch its own single-artist streaming service with UMLive.net, which houses recordings of every gig since 2005. The service has since grown and now lives on through Nugs.net, which is used by the likes of Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, and more.

Beyond intimate backstage encounters and ski trips with their most diehard fans, Umphrey’s McGee instituted the groundbreaking “Headphones & Snowcones” program, granting fans access to professional headphones and a soundboard-quality mix to listen wirelessly at shows. At their UMBowl, they empowered the audience to vote on the setlist in real-time and choose favorite improv themes via text message. In 2017, they stepped into another realm altogether by integrating themselves into the VR Platform Endless Riff. The wonders, it seems, never cease. From their initial bar gigs in 1998 to repeatedly playing three-night runs to packed crowds at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the group has simultaneously remained intensely committed to their fans.

Message from the band (via website) regarding their upcoming tour schedule:
“We are saddened to share the news that due to COVID within the Umphrey’s team, the upcoming shows scheduled in California, Texas, and Oklahoma are being cancelled. All ticket purchasers will receive a full refund for tickets at the point of purchase. We were eagerly looking forward to the shows and despite our best efforts to keep everyone healthy, we have to do what is right. We hope to return to these cities sometime in 2022. Onward & upward.”

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