Category: new releases

New album release: Portraits – Quarters of Change

Quarters of Change recently released their exposed-nerve second album Portraits. Photo: Anna Henderson, used with permission.

One of the fastest rising rock bands coming out of New York City, Quarters of Change, recently released their album Portraits via 300 Entertainment. After retreating to Woodstock, NY, for two weeks, the band left with their most collaborative, exposed-nerve writing to date; something with a piece of each of them etched into it. Where their last album Into The Rift was staring into the dark tunnel ahead, Portraits is close to the other side, with the band surfacing for some light. (Big Hassle, 2024)

“The album is made up of individualized fragments that provide different perspectives and create their own little vignettes. I think of each fragment as a portrait, reflecting a separate emotion or moment. Overall, it dives into themes of addiction, isolation and exploration.” – frontman Ben Roter.

Anchored by a mutual predisposition for unpredictability, Quarters of Change fuse together a signature hybrid of nineties-style alternative hooks, crunchy space rock soundscapes, and strutting seventies grooves. After piling up millions of streams, selling out shows, and inciting critical applause, the New York City quartet — Ben Acker (guitar, bass, synths), Attila Anrather (drums), Jasper Harris (guitars, bass, synths), and Ben Roter (vocals, guitar)— released Portraits. 

Leaning on an unspoken musical language of their own, forged by years of cutting their teeth together, sneaking into shows they were once too young to play, and practicing in the basement of their old high school, Quarters of Change very clearly have a lifelong bond that has created their own breed of alternative rock with stadium scope. 

Quarters of Change simultaneously emerged as a live force, supporting Bad Suns and selling out their first-ever US headline tour. Doubling down on amplifying the energy, and turning up the distortion, Quarters of Change have quietly emerged as a phenomenon, and maintain this momentum with the release of their new album, available everywhere now. In the coming months, the band will continue rolling out more content from Portraits. They’ll be joining the festival lineups of Governors Ball and Shaky Knees, with more to be announced soon.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Portraits track list:
“What I Wanted”
“Depression II”
“Heaven Bound”
“Turn It Away”
“Tightrope”
“Cherry Tree”
“Do or Die”
“Time Before Mourning”
“Hollywood Baby”
“Illogical Decisions”
“Keep My Blood”

Upcoming new book release: ‘Love in Words and Music’ by J.M. Unrue

‘Love in Words and Music: a novel in dialogue’ by J.M. Unrue. It will be released on March 1, 2024. Photo: J.M. Unrue, used with permission.

February is here, so of course, that means so is Valentine’s Day and everything having to do with romance. Romance novels are some of the most popular novels for obvious reasons. Today, I would like to focus on a romantic novel by J.M. Unrue, “Love in Words and Music.” What makes this novel unique is that it is written solely in dialogue form, which makes for a quicker, easier to read experience. It is a love story with plenty of love-language, affection, and humor, making it the perfect novel to enjoy during the most romantic month of the year. Discover Brad and Patricia’s love journey. Pre-order your copy today. It will be released March 1 and is available for pre-order now on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

J.M. Unrue is the author of fiction and social satire as fiction, including “God on a Budget,” “The Festival of Sin,” and “A Blunt Grace.” His new book “Love in Words and Music” is an epic love story told entirely in dialogue. At its heart, the book is a love story. Two people meet on a singles’ cruise and build a lifelong-relationship spanning fifty years. They are both bright, articulate, and completely involved with and devoted to each other. (J.M. Unrue, 2024)

“Love in Words and Music” – From the first dance to the last word, an epic love story spanning fifty years. Told entirely in dialogue, an encounter on an ocean liner leads to life and living in the heartland of the American Midwest.

Brad, a psychiatric nurse—solid, steady, and devoted, and Patricia, a college professor—beautiful, free-spirited and passionate, meet, fall in love, and settle in Minneapolis.

A lifelong affair filled with humor, affection, and abiding devotion. Through triumphs and trials, and bonds stretched to the breaking point, love endures. Through fortune and misfortune, love flourishes.
Through setbacks and victories, they remain focused on the life they have built together.

A life. A whole life. Told in words and music. Unrue’s storytelling is a beacon of understanding for the human condition.

Disclaimer: This book contains nongraphic scenes of marital sexual encounters and innuendo.

                                  EXCERPT – reprinted with author’s permission

Age 31 & 28

“Would you consider doing something else?”
“Well, I don’t want to spend my time dealing Prozac to disaffected housewives or adding ‘there there’ to my repertoire.”
“No, but it wouldn’t hurt to patch up mental boo-boos for a while, would it?”
“Probably not. What brought this on?”
“…I guess I’m concerned about how dealing with so much trauma will have a long-term effect on you.”
“I’m handling it okay, I think.”
“For now.”
“…I honestly believe I’m doing some good.”
“No doubt there.”
“Are you really worried about that?”
“Some…I guess I have ulterior motives, too.”
“Oh? You think the VA is hindering my sexual performance.”
“No.”
“Good, because there’s nothing that revs the glands like a group of damaged
men wondering how it all went so wrong.”

Sponsored Post

1709320302

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

‘Love in Words and Music’ release date

Upcoming new album release: Playing Favorites – Sheer Mag

Sheer Mag releases new single/video for ‘Moonstruck’ from their new album Playing Favorites. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Sheer Mag is a rock band from Philadelphia that combines 1970s rock and punk elements and has worked hard to carve out a clear singular position within the canon of contemporary rock. Effortlessly switching between the refined flourishes of a “connoisseur’s band” and the ecstatic colloquialism of populist songwriting—yet displaying no strict loyalty to either camp—their sound, while often referenced, is unmistakably and immediately recognizable as theirs alone. On Playing Favorites, Sheer Mag’s third full-length and first with Third Man Records, the band capitalize on a decade’s worth of devotion to their own collective spirit—a spirit refined in both the sweaty trenches of punk warehouses and the larger-than-life glamour of concert halls—emerging with a dense work of gripping emotions, massive hooks, and masterfully constructed power-pop anthems. This is the record the Philadelphian rock and roll four-piece has always been destined to make. (Another Side, 2024)

Playing Favorites elevates their signature approach to rock and roll to lushly cinematic new heights. Their latest single “Moonstruck” lives up to its titular reference of Hollywood-sized surprise romance and spools out a charming story of desire. Fans can pre-order/pre-save Playing Favorites here.

“‘Moonstruck’ is about how invigorating it is to have a new crush. After too long lost in the wilderness, it’s gratifying to find a beacon of tenderness to help reorient yourself in the maze of love. Written in 2021 and originally intended for a disco EP, ‘Moonstruck’ has been reworked as a more expansive and lush arrangement and features some of our favorite guitar work on the new record.” – Matt Palmer, guitarist and lyricist

The album burns with a sweetened gratitude for the lot one has been given in life: the luck of coming up punk; the luck of living an unalienated life; the luck of feeling love, and losing love. It is undoubtedly a record by the same Sheer Mag that audiences have spent the last decade falling in love with. In fact, for all of its sonic departures and evolutions, this record is perhaps the most “Sheer Mag” release yet. Not so much a return to form, but rather a realization of those greatest promises that the band has up until now only hinted at. With Playing Favorites, Sheer Mag cater to their tastes and their tastes alone: so long as they continue to do so, the future of rock and roll, that great human tradition, is in the best of hands.

Sheer Mag will embark on an extensive headlining tour this spring that will kick off in D.C. late March and will take them coast to coast through early May. They have confirmed performances at NYC’s Bowery Ballroom, a hometown show at Philadelphia’s First Unitarian Church and more. Tickets and updates are available online. 

Playing Favorites track listing:
01 – Playing Favorites
02 – Eat It and Beat It
03 – All Lined Up
04 – Don’t Come Lookin’
05 – I Gotta Go
06 – Moonstruck
07 – Mechanical Garden (Featuring Mdou Moctar)
08 – Golden Hour
09 – Tea On The Kettle
10 – Paper Time
11 – When You Get Back

Sheer Mag tour dates:
Mar 29: Washington, DC – Songbyrd
Mar 30: Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle – Back Room
Mar 31: Asheville, NC – Eulogy
Apr 01: Nashville, TN – The Blue Room at Third Man Records
Apr 02: Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade, Purgatory
Apr 04: New Orleans, LA – Siberia
Apr 05: Houston, TX – The End
Apr 06: Austin, TX – Far Out Lounge
Apr 07: Dallas, TX – Double Wide
Apr 09: Mesa, AZ – The Underground
Apr 10: Tucson, AZ – Club Congress
Apr 11: San Diego, CA – The Casbah
Apr 12: Santa Ana, CA – Constellation Room
Apr 13: Los Angeles, CA – Lodge Room
Apr 15: San Francisco, CA – Rickshaw Stop
Apr 17: Portland, OR – Star Theater
Apr 18: Seattle, WA – The Vera Project
Apr 19: Boise, ID – The Shredder
Apr 20: Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Court
Apr 22: Denver, CO – Hi Dive
Apr 24: Omaha, NE – Reverb Lounge
Apr 25: Minneapolis, MN – 7th St. Entry
Apr 26: Madison, WI – High Noon Saloon
Apr 27: Chicago, IL – Sleeping Village
Apr 29: Kalamazoo, MI – Bell’s Eccentric Cafe
May 05: Somerville, MA – Crystal Ballroom
May 06: East Haven, CT – Beeracks
May 08: New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
May 10: Philadelphia, PA – First Unitarian Church
May 01: Toronto, ON – Velvet Underground
May 03: Buffalo, NY – Mohawk Place
May 04: Troy, NY – No Fun
May 31 – Jun 02: Northampton, MA – Field Day Music Festival

1709291485

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

Playing Favorites release date

New book release: ‘Dr. King Goes to India! A Cool Kids’ Guide’ by Cara Reese

‘Dr. King Goes to India! A Cool Kids’ Guide’ by Cara Reese. Photo: Amazon

I’ve been an avid reader all my life and some of my favorite memories as a child are linked to books in one way or another. Books make such wonderful gifts, especially for children. Not only are they entertaining, they can also be used as educational tools to help them expand their vocabulary and teach them how to be kind and responsible citizens. In today’s new book news, Cara Reese has a new children’s book out, “Dr. King Goes to India! A Cool Kid’s Guide.” It is all about Dr. King’s trip to India, so if you’re looking for the perfect book for the child/children in your life that will teach them about Dr. King’s experience in India and his nonviolent philosophy, consider this new title, especially during Black History Month. Pick up your copy today – it is available on Amazon.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a Christian minister, activist, and political philosopher who was one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. (Wikipedia)

Cara Reese has roots in St. Louis, Chicago and Dallas/Ft. Worth. She received her B.A. in Humanities and her M.A. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. A third-generation educator who’s endlessly inspired by the power of historical picture books, she studied children’s literature at Columbia University. Cara lives in Atlanta and remains perpetually in awe of the city’s rich history. When the stars are perfectly aligned, she enjoys globe-trekking with her amazing family, staring for hours at the ocean, or aspiring to make the perfect kale chip. Cara Reese’s first children’s book, “Black Artists Rock! A Cool Kids’ Guide A-Z,” earned the coveted Kirkus star. “Dr. King Goes to India! A Cool Kids’ Guide,” has earned the Kirkus starred review and is Cara’s second children’s book. Read an interview with the author on Kirkus Reviews.

“Dr. King Goes to India! A Cool Kids’ Guide” – In this vibrant and lyrical text, the little-known story of Dr. King’s exhilarating and life-changing journey to India is finally told. Inspired by Gandhi’s nonviolent philosophy, Martin and his wife, Coretta, jet set across the globe to the wondrous land of India. Traveling by planes, trains and boats, their colorful month-long adventure would change them forever. This compassionate and deeply touching story is a testament to the power of Gandhi’s and King’s nonviolent philosophy to connect people across continents for a common goal: justice.

Sponsored Post

Book review: ‘Rethinking Transportation’ by Ansh Verma

‘Rethinking Transportation’ is Ansh Verma’s new book all about transportation. Photo: Amazon

Ansh Verma is a researcher + author + philosopher based in Dhanbad, Jharkhand (India). He researches almost everything that can be observed, felt and/or read, including technology, politics, divine, war, behavioral, engineering, investing, military, finance, and mathematics. Post graduation, Verma has almost 20 years of experience in thinking/making sense of the world. His new book “Rethinking Transportation” focuses on the topic of transportation, the problems in the current transportation system (congestion, pollution, and parking difficulties) and the need for innovative solutions.

“Rethinking Transportation” emphasizes the importance of reimagining transportation for a better future and discusses the potential for innovative solutions to address these problems. Ansh Verma introduces a personal patent in the automobile field and explains how this invention can revolutionize transportation, addressing many of the challenges previously highlighted. There is a detailed examination of the patent, explaining how it works and the potential impact it could have. He includes real-world case studies and success stories of innovative transportation solutions to demonstrate how these solutions have made a positive difference. The book maps out the steps required for the widespread adoption of this new mode of transport, including collaborations, regulations, and public perception. (Amazon, 2024)

The author begins with Introduction: Setting the stage where it is noted that population growth and urbanization have put a strain in the public transportation infrastructure. Chapter 1: The Problems with Traditional Transportation highlights the fact that the individual suffers the most due to longer commutes, limited access to reliable transportation, and the pollution that comes with increased vehicles on the road and therefore, “…traffic congestion perpetuates social inequity.” How can we address these problems? One solution is innovation. According to the author, in Chapter 2: The Call for Innovation, “Innovation in transportation plays a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable and efficient future.”

The rest of the book is divided as such:

Chapter 3: A New Vision for Transportation
Chapter 4: Patent In Focus
Chapter 5: Benefits of the New Mode of Transport
Chapter 6: Overcoming Challenges and Resistance
Chapter 7: Case Studies and Success Stories
Chapter 8: The Path to Adoption
Chapter 9: Environmental and Societal Impact
Chapter 10: The Future of Transportation

Overall, not only does “Rethinking Transportation” presents an excellent examination of the problems with modern transportation, but it offers solutions. It is heavily researched and contains information that anyone interested in innovations in the transportation industry will find helpful. It is definitely a must read.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

New book release: ‘Neon Lights and Plane Tickets’ by Eli Alemán

‘Neon Lights and Plane Tickets: A Cosmic Poetic Prose Collection’ Photo: Eli Alemán, used with permission.

Poetry is a type of artistic writing meant to stir a reader’s emotions or imagination. It is very near to my heart because it is the first type of writing I used to express myself. Combined with science fiction, one of my favorite genres of novels, it makes for a unique reading experience. This is the case in today’s new book release: “Neon Lights and Plane Tickets” by Eli Alemán. It is a sci-fi poetic prose collection with themes of horror, science fiction, and urban legends and poems such as: District, Phantasmagoric Reverie, The Bloody Birth of Conscience, and Layers of Silence. If you love poetry and science fiction, this is one poetry collection that should be next on your TBR (to be read) list. “Neon Lights and Plane Tickets” is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads. Pick up your copy today and experience this fascination book of poetry. 

Eli Alemán has been an avid reader since childhood, spending countless hours immersing herself in fantastic worlds and daydreaming of being a part of them. An adventurous and curious spirit led her to become a world traveler and a scientist. She is a microbiologist currently working on marine biology research. She loves nature and the ocean. Despite her field’s logical and analytical nature, her artistic heart beats strong. Eli Alemán is an award-winning artist and now author. Her favorite genres are science fiction, fantasy, horror, and comedy.

“Neon Lights and Plane Tickets” – Neon Lights and Plane Tickets is a sci-fi-themed collection of poetic prose, featuring tales of cosmic horror and galactic urban legends. Explore lush and vibrant cities across the universe, the terrifying creatures they hide, and their inhabitants’ adventures (or misadventures, as the case may be). Bright neon lights and illusions of technological advancement are fine distractions to keep their rotting societies hidden within their foundations—reflections on the intricacies of human nature. (Amazon, 2024)

Sponsored Post

New book release: ‘Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness’ by Jane Kim Yu

‘Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness’ is the inspiring new book by Jane Kim Yu. Photo: Amazon

Motivational books can be inspiring and helpful on your spiritual journey of self discovery. This is especially true when the author includes his or her life experiences. Today’s new book release is all about spiritual awakening and discovering yourself. “Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness” by Jane Kim Yu is an encouraging guide that will help you discover your true self and is filled with advice, tips, and motivational wisdom. If self improvement is one of your New Year’s resolutions, consider this amazing new book on self-discovery, self-awareness, and living your best life yet. It is available on Amazon in English and Spanish versions. Don’t wait! Pick up your copy today begin your own journey of awakening.

Dr. Jane Kim Yu holds a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the renowned St. John’s University. From a young age, she aspired to become an author and share her vision through artistic creation. This dream became reality with the publication of her debut book, “Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness.” Jane’s work is a testament to her three driving passions: eloquent writing, intricate creative expression, and a deep-seated spirituality. These are demonstrated in her life and through her newsletter Soul Secrets, where she discusses hope, love, life, and the beauty of it all from our humanity to our divinity to the grace that guides our life. Her works bridge the gap between the empirical and the ethereal, resonating with readers and art aficionados alike. (Jane Kim Yu, 2024)

“Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness” – Discover the journey of awakening in a new light never seen before. Read about our universal journey of discovery, of awakening to the greatest truth of the land, the truth that reverberates in our very hands, the hands of heart, the very heart of our being, that – you are love.

Through a profoundly rare experience that left the author’s mind silent for nearly half a year, it awakened her own desire to find her fire. The very fire that lit the night sky. The very fire that lives in all our hearts nigh. The very fire, to come alive. These combine into an unforgettable experience that will awaken your inner fire and bring passion and purpose back into your life.

“True spirituality is a true coming alive, for it’s not what you do; it’s who you are. Which means living the life of your dreams on your terms and, most of all, in your heart as the you that you are. Love unleashed.”

Sponsored Post

Upcoming new book release: ‘The Bad Weather Friend’ by Dean Koontz

‘The Bad Weather Friend’ will be released February 1, 2024. Photo: Amazon

International bestselling author Dean Koontz was only a senior in college when he won an Atlantic Monthly fiction competition. Koontz is the author of several bestsellers, fourteen of which were #1, including “One Door Away from Heaven,” “From the Corner of His Eye,” and “What the Night Knows.” Rolling Stone has hailed him as “America’s most popular suspense novelist,” and his books have been published in thirty-eight languages and have sold over five hundred million copies worldwide. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, he now lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirits of their goldens Trixie and Anna. In his newest novel, “The Bad Weather Friend,” Benny is so nice they feel compelled to destroy him, but he has a friend who should scare the hell out of them. The breathtaking new thriller will be released February 1, 2024 and is available for pre-order on Amazon. (Amazon, 2024)

“The Bad Weather Friend” – Benny Catspaw’s perpetually sunny disposition is tested when he loses his job, his reputation, his fiancée, and his favorite chair. He’s not paranoid. Someone is out to get him. He just doesn’t know who or why. Then Benny receives an inheritance from an unknown uncle: a giant crate and a video message. All will be well in time.

How strange—though it’s a blessing, his uncle promises. Stranger yet is what’s inside the crate. He’s a seven-foot-tall self-described “bad weather friend” named Spike whose mission is to help people who are just too good for this world. Spike will take care of it. He’ll find Benny’s enemies. He’ll deal with them. This might be satisfying if Spike wasn’t such a menacing presence with terrifying techniques of intimidation.

In the company of Spike and a fascinated young waitress-cum-PI-in-training named Harper, Benny plunges into a perilous high-speed adventure, the likes of which never would have crossed the mind of a decent guy like him.

@amazon_publishing

Tell us who your bad weather friend in the comments 👇 The Bad Weather Friend by Dean Koontz is now available to read early with Amazon First Reads. #DeanKoontz #ThrillerBooks #BookTok #BFFs #BadWeatherFriend

♬ original sound – Amazon Publishing – Amazon Publishing
1706786229

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

‘The Bad Weather Friend’ release date

Upcoming new horror movie: Alice and The Vampire Queen

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.

New album release: The Carousel – Backstrom

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.

Sponsored Post