New album release: This Far South – Tommy Prine

Tommy Prine’s upcoming debut album This Far Suth will be out June 23 via Thirty Tigers. Photo: Google

Tommy Prine’s debut album This Far South, coming June 23, 2023, is not only a long-awaited introduction but a testimony to Prine’s 20s and the loss, love, and growth that has defined them. Co-produced by a close friend and kindred musical spirit, Ruston Kelly, and beloved Nashville engineer and producer, Gena Johnson, the album is rich and dynamic from cathartic jams to nostalgic storytelling. This year, alongside his own runs of headline shows, Prine opened for Tyler Childers on his Send In The Hounds Tour in London. He was also named one of Amazon Music’s 2023 Breakthrough Artists to Watch. (IVPR, 2023)

Like the rest of the songs from Prine’s upcoming debut This Far South, “Reach The Sun” feels very personal; a journal entry observation set to music. The theme does not end there. More often than not, Prine spins his narrative with positivity and hope, no matter how distant those feelings seem at the start. “‘Reach The Sun’ is about learning to ground yourself and doing something that you love is part of the brighter things of life,” he says.

An emotionally complex but universally accessible debut, This Far South—co-produced by Ruston Kelly and Gena Johnson—brings together a sonic patchwork of musical influences to help tell the story of each song. Inspirations from groups like Outkast or The Strokes or Bon Iver sneak into This Far South as well, but Prine always sounds like Prine; honest in his emotions and impactful with his message.

Fans can hear “Reach The Sun” at this link and This Far South can be pre-ordered or pre-saved ahead of its June 23 release, and the album’s previously-released title track can be streamed or purchased here. His tour schedule is available online. 

This Far South track list:
Elohim
Crashing Again
This Far South
Reach The Sun
By The Way
Mirror and a Kitchen Sink
Boyhood
Some Things
Letter to My Brother
Cash Carter Hill
I Love You, Always

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New book release: ‘Escaping the Dashia’ by Rebecca Inch-Partridge

‘Escaping the Dashia’ is Rebecca Inch-Partridge’s new YA science fiction novel. Photo: Amazon

Rebecca Inch-Partridge is an author, an editor, and an avid science fiction fan who grew up imagining a more inclusive world for women in SFF. Today, she is helping to shape that reality. Her first novel, “Escaping the Dashia,” is a YA science fantasy published by Black Rose Writing. Rebecca is a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association and Broad Universe and frequently speaks at writers’ conferences and science fiction conventions. Her short stories and articles have appeared in several magazines, and she has won Honorable Mention in both Writer’s Digest and Writers of the Future contests. “Escaping the Dashia” is the first book in The Paradox Star Cluster series and invites readers to root for the main character, young telepath Twyla, as she runs from one of the most notorious crime families in the Universe – the one led by her mother. (Black Château, 2023)

“Escaping the Dashia” is a meticulously crafted, immersive young adult (YA) science fiction (SF) novel that explores the complexities of family, betrayal, and the painful feelings of being an outsider. It follows young telepath Twyla, who is abducted by her mother and forced into her family’s criminal enterprise. Now, Twyla must navigate the blurred lines between right and wrong, good and evil, and the precarious position her family has put her in. Rebecca Inch-Partridge, a longtime SF fan, writer and speaker at science fiction conventions, uses her world-building skills to craft a richly detailed universe.

“I believe science fiction and fantasy has the power to challenge us and to inspire change. With ‘Escaping the Dashia,’ I hope to engage readers in a thrilling adventure while exploring important issues such as family dynamics, morality, and justice, all within a universe that I hope readers will enjoy exploring as much as I enjoyed creating it.” – Rebecca Inch-Partridge

Rebecca Inch-Partridge is a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association and Broad Universe. As someone who grew up imagining a more inclusive world for women in SFF, today she is a strong supporter of women in SFF as well as women in STEM.

Excerpt available.

New children’s book release: ‘Felix and Eagle Imagine’ by Willie Thomas

‘Felix and Eagle Imagine’ is the new children’s book out by Willie Thomas. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Willie Thomas is an American author born in Birmingham, AL and currently resides in North Carolina. Storytelling and writing books have always been his passion and goal. By the time he reaches the century mark, he would like to have well over a hundred different books out, each with its own unique voice and tale. “Felix and Eagle Imagine” and “Rodowell Sky: Miracles Come to Life” are the first of these books. Follow Willie Thomas on his journey as he makes what he has imagined come to life. (Willie Thomas, 2023)

“Felix and Eagle Imagine”

His goal is not to be a knight. His goal is not to fly a kite. In his bones Felix feels he just might become a great superhero on this night.

Felix is a young boy seeking to become a great superhero. Eagle, his cat, wishes for the ability of flight. After drifting off to sleep, they embark on a shared dream where they Imagine wondrous things only found in ones imagination.

Author Willie Thomas. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

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New book release: ‘Hold On To Your Lady Or Hold On To Your Coat’ by Terrance Tamon

‘Hold On To Your Lady Or Hold On To Your Coat’ is the new book by Terrance Tamon. Photo: Google

Terrance Tamon was born in Spartanburg SC the oldest of three boys and raised in a single-parent household with his mother. He has four daughters and one son, but the oldest passed away in 2018. Writing is something he loves to do and most of the time he does it to take his mind away from the world. In his first adult book, “Hold On to Your Lady or Hold On to Your Coat,” a chance encounter with a woman catches Robert off guard and leaves him confused and unsure of himself. It is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and Lulu. (Terrance Tamon, 2023)

“Hold On to Your Lady or Hold On to Your Coat” – Robert had been through it all when it came to relationships. At 30 years old, he knew all too well the heartache of breakups and the pain of a broken heart. It had left him feeling regretful and unable to trust. As a result, he had developed a cold heart and was no longer interested in pursuing any romantic relationships.

On one particular day, Robert was getting ready to leave his apartment when his friend and partner, Damian, urged him to come out and enjoy life. Damian was the type of friend everyone wished they had – caring, supportive, and always pushing his friends to be the best version of themselves, but when it came to women, Robert was not interested in listening to Damian. His experiences with relationships had left him with a deep sense of cynicism, and he saw no reason to put himself through the pain and heartbreak again. He grabbed his coat and prepared to leave, a physical reminder to himself that life was cold and that he needed to protect himself from the inevitable disappointments that come with relationships.

Despite his reservations, fate had other plans for Robert. After a chance encounter with a woman, he did not know if he should hold on to her or keep holding on to his coat. She had a way of making him feel alive again, like he was capable of experiencing happiness once more but at the same time, he was scared. He did not know if he was ready to open up and let someone in again.

Robert’s experiences are all too familiar to many of us. The pain of a broken heart can be so deep and profound that it can leave us feeling cynical and unwilling to open ourselves up to love again. Sometimes, life has a way of surprising us. Even when we are not looking for love, it can find us in unexpected ways.

Perhaps the lesson that Robert learned is that, no matter how much we try to protect ourselves, life will always find a way to surprise us. It is up to us to decide whether we are willing to take the risk and open ourselves up to the possibility of love, or continue to hold on to our coats, protecting ourselves from the unknown.

In the end, Robert’s story is a reminder that even when we think we have everything figured out, life can still surprise us. It is up to us to be open to those surprises and to take a chance on love, even when it seems scary or uncertain because in the end, the rewards of love are always worth the risk.

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New zombie movie release: Strain 100

Strain 100 is now available for streaming. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

If zombie movies are your thing, there is a new one out now. Jemma Dallender stars in Strain 100, infecting audiences everywhere from Uncork’d Entertainment. (October Coast, 2023)

Strain 100 – After surviving a terrifying car crash, a young woman discovers that aggressive, flesh-eating zombies have overtaken the entire area. She must figure out what is happening and why in hopes of escaping her horrifying circumstances. Co-written and directed by Hassan Hussein, the chilling horror-adventure also stars Matt Carriker and Alex Rogers and is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, and Vudu.

Scene from Strain 100. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

New book release: ‘The Darkness Within’ by Crystal Oliver

‘The Darkness Within’ is the new young adult thriller by Crystal Oliver. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

In book news this week, there is a new young adult thriller out by Crystal Oliver. “The Darkness Within” is a thrilling tale of a young girl’s journey of self-discovery and supernatural powers. Will Emma be able to master her abilities and defeat the Darkness, or will she become its next victim? Get your copy today of this action-packed young adult thriller. It is on sale for the next few days for $2.99 at the Kindle Store. It is also available on Books2Read. (Crystal Oliver, 2023)

“The Darkness Within” – Sixteen-year-old Emma wakes up to a nightmare: blood in the living room, her mother missing, and a darkness lurking in the mist outside. As people are dying, Emma discovers that the government has created a terrifying creature that not only escaped from their facility but is on a killing spree. To make matters worse, the creature seems to have a strange connection to the girl. As Emma struggles to come to terms with her new reality, she must also master her growing psychic powers that seem to have come out of nowhere. With the help of Eric, a government soldier with his own special abilities, Emma learns to control her powers and take on the Darkness.

As the creature closes in on Emma, she realizes that it’s not just a mindless killer. It has a purpose, and Emma might be the only one who can stop it. As the final battle approaches, Emma must confront her fears and use all of her powers to save her town and herself.

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Mike Tod relights the torch of old time tradition on self-titled LP

Mike Tod’s new self titled LP is out now. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Canadian ethnomusicologist and musician Mike Tod might just be the most identifiable bridge carrying our musical past into current day and beyond. With conviction and candor, he sings well-worn traditional songs, researches their roots, and shares them in a fashion that feels authentically of another time, while still firmly planted in the present. He forges old-time songs into historical epics, conjuring visions of western portraits and weathered landscapes, immersing listeners in traditional songs recorded with modern clarity and true grit. As an ethnomusicologist, Tod’s The Folk podcast series on the lesser-known histories of folk and old-time music in Canada was called “an unlikely hit” by the Calgary Herald. Mike Tod reminds us that the past, present, and future are inexorably linked in song. (IV-PR, 2023)

On April 13, Tod released his debut full-length studio album; a self-titled affair that finds its instrumentation honoring the history of old-time music while its expansive, cinematic arrangements focus Tod’s grand vision through a modern lens. 

Tod recently shared the second track from his Mike Tod LP, “The Coo Coo.” “It’s one hell of an eerie, haunting song when you really pay attention to the lyrics,” says Tod of the song that has been recorded by everyone from Clarence Ashley—on the Anthology of American Folk Music—to (Tod’s personal favorite) Ramblin’ Jack Elliot. “There’s themes of addiction, potential homelessness, and obsession over an individual. Almost creepy, but for sure scary.” The driving and moody string band instrumentation aids in painting Tod’s version of “The Coo Coo” in a dark light. “I’d say our version shows that this song is more like a horror movie than anything else,” says Tod. 

Accompanying the release of “The Coo Coo” is a beautifully animated music video from Molly Little. The sepia-tinged, high contrast animation follows the lyrics of this classic song closely, matching the mood and dynamics scene by scene. Folk Radio UK premiered the video, saying, “There’s a gorgeously dark underlying drone that’s accentuated by Tod’s well-worn tenor vocals while his talented band pull out all the stops on one of the best arrangements I’ve heard for this folk song…the whole arrangement works on every level, lending it a dark southern gothic feel. I’m looking forward to hearing more from Mike Tod.”

Fans can watch “The Coo Coo” video, stream or purchase the audio, or purchase the Mike Tod album. 

Mike Tod track list:

  1. The Coo Coo
  2. The Blackest Crow
  3. Flowers of Edinburgh
  4. Cigarettes and Whiskey
  5. Undone In Sorrow
  6. Back To My Home
  7. Little Wheel Spin and Spin
  8. Cold Frosty Morn
  9. Wait For Me
  10. My Alberta Rose

New book release: ‘Fix Your Back Like An Architect’ by Marian Jodlowski

‘Fix Your Back Like An Architect’ by Marian Jodlowski. Photo: Amazon

Marian Jodlowski is a Master of Science in Architecture graduate from the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice. He also completed postgraduate studies at the Warsaw University of Technology. At age 55, he suffered from acute spinal disc disease, which temporarily prevented him from walking; after contracting this illness, Marian became interested in the mechanics of human movement. This interest resulted, among other things, from the fact that the treatment offered by the academic health service was ineffective in his case, and he considered spinal surgery a last resort. In this situation, he started looking for specialists offering alternative treatments. In his book “Fix Your Back Like An Architect: Gravity Therapy of the Spine and Motor Organs,” the author explains how he overcame acute spinal disease and returned to everyday life. He also shares how he strengthened his body so that even many years after the onset of the disease, he no longer feels discomfort. It is available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback format. (Marian Jodlowski, 2023)

During his treatment, some of the specialists’ methods had some positive results, while others did not. None of them fully identified the causes of the disease or offered a comprehensive cure. Due to Marian’s profession and technical experience, he increasingly perceived the human body as a complicated spatial mechanical system affected by Earth’s gravity, similar to the static and mechanical engineering objects functioning on Earth. Such well-proportioned objects with logically juxtaposed structural elements operating by the laws of physics function very well and are less unreliable than those without such features. Recognizing the above relationships and many others related to conditions in the field of academic and alternative medicine allowed him to formulate many important indications regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the spine and musculoskeletal system. Thanks to their use, the author not only managed to avoid spinal surgery, but many years after acute disc disease of the spine, he does not feel any related ailments. His well-being is much better than a dozen years ago.

“Fix Your Back Like An Architect: Gravity Therapy of the Spine and Motor Organs” – Most musculoskeletal dysfunctions arise from a chronic lack of gravitational tension in some muscles and over-tension in others. They usually result from habitual abuse of incorrect, often favorite body positions and because of using faulty movement patterns in everyday life. Such dysfunctions can begin gradually in childhood and become fixed for longer just as quickly. Therefore, in such cases, it is equally important to identify these problems according to the rules presented in the book and to proceed to their elimination immediately. In a healthy adult, musculoskeletal disorders usually develop much more slowly. However, if they are not eliminated in advance, they are constantly deepening, worsening a person’s well-being and even preventing them from functioning properly in everyday life.

As the leading cause of diseases of the spine and musculoskeletal system, the author presented chronic muscle tension disorders caused by the action of incorrect vectors of forces caused by gravity and ground resistance. In connection with the mechanism causing bone deformities, according to the Delpech-Wolff Law, which explains the causes of even severe skeletal deformities.

The author also indicates how the poor functioning of the muscular system during everyday activities affects the occurrence of diseases of the spine and musculoskeletal system.

Acute pain is the body’s alarm signal and should not always be eliminated too often with painkillers. However, comprehensive methods leading to the fastest possible healing of inflammation should be used. Progressive natural pain relief is a signal to undertake other forms of treatment, including active therapy involving moderate corrective exercises.

The author’s knowledge and experience presented in this book can save you from making many hasty decisions about how to treat your conditions, including risky back or joint surgery. In addition to the systemic knowledge about rebuilding the body, you will receive many practical tips to reduce your daily ailments and contribute to your recovery.

Without knowing the principles in this book, it is difficult to imagine keeping the body in good shape and avoiding the destructive influence of gravity on the body, which lasts for years. On the other hand, without using the crucial tips on exercise techniques contained in it, it is difficult to rebuild the body and effectively eliminate dysfunctions and deformities of the body caused by its incorrect use.

In the book, you will read, among other things:

  • How children with a weaker mitochondrial genome can avoid severe developmental defects such as scoliosis, general physical underdevelopment, and other musculoskeletal defects. How these children can match the level of physical development of other peers by consciously using the forces of gravity.
  • How the proper use of gravitational energy in an almost imperceptible way shapes the correct body posture in people with particular genetic predispositions. How effectively it affects the development of their muscular system, vitality, and health, and what should be done not only not to waste this potential but also to effectively use it for further strengthening of the body.
  • How adults can avoid conditions such as musculoskeletal pain, disc herniation, joint degradation, and general body weakness.
  • What are the causes of the loss of motor skills in seniors and the general decline in health with age. Moreover, what are the indications of how to stop these changes to maintain fitness and health until old age.
  • Why activities such as walking, running, sitting, bending the body, doing squats, and lifting weights should, in most cases, be done differently from what is generally recommended.
  • How to maintain high physical and intellectual fitness thanks to man’s conscious acquisition of energy in the biological and gravitational cycle.
  • How, through the action of gravity, in some body positions, there is a negative shaping of muscle tension, which causes the weakening of vitality and human health, and how can we prevent it.
  • Why many of the recommended ways to exercise in a variety of sports, including bodybuilding and weightlifting, often lead to health loss rather than health improvement.

** Excerpts available ***

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New documentary release: Living With Chucky

The documentary Living With Chucky is now available on streaming and Collector’s Edition Blu-ray. Photo: Cinedigm, used with permission.

This month, Cinedigm and Bloody Disgusting premiered the horror documentary Living With Chucky on its horror streaming service SCREAMBOX and on all major digital platforms in the US and Canada. (EG-PR, 2023)

Living with Chucky takes an in depth look at the groundbreaking Child’s Play franchise from the perspective of a filmmaker who grew up within it. Featuring interviews with cast and crew such as Brad Dourif, Jennifer Tilly, Alex Vincent, creator Don Mancini, and much more, this personal film recounts the dedication, creativity and sacrifice that went into making the franchise and its long-lasting impact on the horror community.

Storming into pop culture in the late 1980s, the three-foot menace known as Chucky, proved that Child’s Play was anything but. The horror film went on to spawn six sequels, a television series, a reboot, comic books, a video game, and merchandise.

Written and directed by Kyra Elise Gardner, daughter of legendary special effects artist Tony Gardner, Living With Chucky looks back at the groundbreaking horror franchise by those there from the beginning. The documentary details the history of the Child’s Play films by the cast and crew, in addition to Gardner’s own relationship with the series and the impact it had on her family. Gardner, who grew up alongside Chucky the killer doll, seeks out other families involved with the Child’s Play films as they recount their experiences working on the franchise and what it means to be a part of the “Chucky” family.

Cast: Abigail Breslin, Adam Hurtig, Alex Vincent, Billy Boyd, Brad Dourif, Christine Elise McCarthy, Dan Povenmire, David Kirschner, Don Mancini, Elle Lorraine, Fiona Dourif, James A. Janisse, Jennifer Tilly, John Waters, Kyra Gardner, Lin Shaye, Marlon Wayans, Tony Gardner, Tony Timpone, and many more.

Official Selection: Popcorn Frights Film Festival 2022, Fantastic Fest 2022, and Screamfest Horror Film Festival 2022.

US VOD PLATFORMS
Amazon, Apple, Google Play, VUDU, Hoopla, Xbox, SCREAMBOX, and more.
(SCREAMBOX is available to stream on iOS, Android, Prime Video, YouTube TV, Comcast, Cox, and screambox.com)

CANADA VOD PLATFORMS
Apple, Google Play, Xbox, and more.

The Living With Chucky Collector’s Edition Blu-ray is also available in the US & Canada. Special features include: Exclusive artwork by Creepy Duck, Candid Conversations, Favorite Death Scenes, Strange Families and Director’s Commentary.

Romance novel of the week: ‘Loving You Is Destiny’ by Sarah Akkoyun

‘Loving You Is Destiny’ by Sarah Akkoyun. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

If you love reading romance novels, here is one for you: “Loving You Is Destiny,” the latest novel by Sarah Akkoyun. It is available on Amazon. (Sarah Akkoyun, 2023)

“Loving You Is Destiny” – Vanessa Lawrence had always thought she would end up marrying the love of her life, David Dawson, one day. – Yet here she is one year later, still unable to move on. Her family and best friend try their best to support her, but they just cannot understand what she is going through. Vanessa did not want to move on, at least, not until she met Lucas Graham.

He brought joy and happiness back into her life, but she should not get any closer to him than she already was. She could not forget David, she still wanted him to be a part of her life. It was not fair to Lucas, Vanessa knew that, but they could be friends, right? Nothing more, nothing less. Just good friends. No matter what Taylor, her best friend, said. Even though Taylor just wanted Vanessa to be happy again. Vanessa never expected to discover a secret about what happened a year ago, considering she thought there was nothing left to find out. Now she has to decide if love can truly overcome anything.

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