Tag: Music News

New album release: Big Talk – Jarrod Dickenson

Big Talk is Jarrod Dickenson’s new album. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Jarrod Dickenson is a guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer, originally from Waco, Texas, and now based in Nashville. His two albums, The Lonesome Traveler and Ready the Horses, along with his EP, Under A Texas Sky, have earned him critical acclaim and a devoted audience on both sides of the Atlantic. Not one to fear an exhausting tour schedule, Dickenson has entranced crowds all over Europe and the US and shared stages with such legendary artists as Bonnie Raitt, Don McLean, The Waterboys, Jools Holland, and Jimmie Vaughan. He has performed at prestigious festivals such as Glastonbury and Cambridge Folk Festival. After a baptism of fire in the world of the major labels, Jarrod Dickenson now exists as a fiercely independent artist, a look that suits him well and allows his creativity to follow whatever path it damn well pleases. Nowhere is this attitude better encapsulated than in the bluesy rock and roll growl of his uncompromising new album Big Talk, released worldwide on February 3, 2023 via Hooked Records. (IVPR, 2023)

The hardships and infuriation of recent years have only added steel to the resolve of an artist already willing to do it the hard way, prepared to stand in the face of a music business that shows dwindling regard for the brand of artistry that first inspired him to pick up a guitar and sing for his life—and Dickenson laid it all out for the world to hear on Big Talk.

Fans can stream or purchase Big Talk and check out Dickenson’s collection of music videos: “With Any Luck,” “Prefer To Lose,” “Buckle Under Pressure,” and “Long Hard Look.” Limited edition Big Talk vinyl is available at Dickenson’s official web store.

This album represents Dickenson’s most direct and uncompromising body of songwriting to date and his decision to occupy the producer’s chair has injected Big Talk with a drive and coherence that compliments the muscle of its material. Furthermore, Dickenson has assembled a band of ferocious players to bring these songs to life with striking authenticity in a series of live sessions recorded to tape. Together they create that unmistakable sound that only comes from the assembly of talented players, in a room, having a blast and what better way to flip the bird at those dark entities that inspired the album’s creation than to rage with such joy?

If Dickenson’s previous works have ventured a foot into the territory of rock and roll, Big Talk plants a large flag. It is classic like Petty, gritty like Waits. There are McCartney-esque melodies and the blues get thrown down with a certain Rolling Stones swagger, and yet Jarrod Dickenson has crafted a sound that is all his own. Big Talk sounds for all the world like a man who has found his groove. Get the record, see a show, but just do not piss him off.

Big Talk track list:
1. Buckle Under Pressure
2. Born To Wander
3. Home Again (feat. Oliver Wood & Jano Rix)
4. Prefer To Lose
5. Bamboozled
6. With Any Luck
7. If You’re Looking
8. Long Hard Look
9. Don’t Deprive Me
10. Goodnight

New album release: People Talk – Lauren Morrow

Lauren Morrow’s long awaited full length solo debut album People Talk will be release March 31, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

In the short few years since Lauren Morrow branched out from her more-than-a-decade-long role as the frontwoman of The Whiskey Gentry, her solo career has taken her above and beyond what was ever imagined—from being listed “Best of” in the pages of Rolling Stone and Garden & Gun to performing on television sets nationwide on PBS. Surprisingly, Morrow has done it all without ever putting out a full-length album. That is, until now; her new album will be released March 31, 2023. People Talk is a collection of ten songs that Morrow says, “truly reflect who I am as a person and the sounds I’ve been waiting to explore for my entire career.” Produced by Parker Cason and mixed by Vance Powell and Jacquire King, People Talk finds Morrow exploring her beyond-country influences like 90s Alternative, Britpop, and 80s New Wave bands with moody, brutally honest lyrical content and rock n roll attitudes; all with Morrow’s signature soprano and vulnerable vibrato and a host of atypically-Americana vibes and tones. The end result is a patiently cultivated and refined sound, a pure expression of everything Morrow is made of—not just what we have seen so far. (IVPR, 2023)

Recently Morrow shared the first single from People Talk, “Only Nice When I’m High,” and its accompanying music video which features Morrow and her on-screen pal, a living, breathing, three-foot-tall joint. Fans can watch the “Only Nice When I’m High” video, stream the single, and pre-order or pre-save ahead of People Talk’s March 31 release on Big Kitty Records—Morrow’s own record label, along with her husband and business/creative partner, Jason Morrow.

People Talk track list:
1. I’m Sorry
2. Only Nice When I’m High
3. People Talk
4. It’s You
5. Looking For Trouble
6. Nobody But Me
7. Hustle
8. Family Tree
9. Leona
10. Birthday

Catch Lauren Morrow on tour:
March 31 – Nashville, TN – The Basement (Get Happier Fridays)
April 18 – Uppsala, Sweden – Katalin
April 19 – Mariefred, Sweden – Gripsholms Vardshus
April 20 – Tranas, Sweden – Plan B
April 21 – Falkenberg, Sweden – Tryckhallen
April 22 – Kristianstad, Sweden – Kulturkvarteret
April 23 – Hyltebruk, Sweden – Forum
April 25 – Hultsfred, Sweden – Hotel Hulingen
April 26 – Oslo, Norway – Krosset
April 27 – Trodheim, Norway – Moskus
April 28 – Ringbu, Norway – Amemoen Gard
April 29 – Ljusdal, Sweden – Roda Kvam
April 30 – Stockholm, Sweden – Twang
May 3 – Norrtajle, Sweden – Imperial
May 4 – Ostersund, Sweden – Captain Cook
May 5 – Pitea, Sweden – Studio Acusticum
May 6 – Sundsvall, Sweden – Q-Bar

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New album release: Road to Rendition – New Rules Duo

Road to Rendition is the new album by New Rules Duo. Photo: New Rules Duo, used with permission.

New Rules Duo is a multi award-winning international duo made up of Celia Stavri (vocals) and Dominik Dybka (guitar and vocals). Celia Stavri is a singer/singer songwriter born in the UK and now living in Paphos, Cyprus. She is a well known award winning singer and the runner up out of thousands of singers applying for a Greek singing contest called ‘Rising Star,’ which was televised in Greece. She is also the lead singer for the award winning band Party Crasher where she also performs together with Dominik. Dominik is not only a guitarist/singer, but also the owner of the recording studio Overtone Records and the director of the music school Art2see Academy in Paphos. As an accomplished sound engineer and music producer, he takes passion and talent to the next level. Road to Rendition is their new album. (New Rules Duo, 2023)

Road to Rendition is a 12 track cover album featuring cover songs of popular hits including Part Time Lover, Wicked Game, and Zombie. It is available for streaming on SoundCloud, Spotify, and YouTube. Follow New Rules Duo on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

“We have been working extremely hard on this album. Each instrument, sound and voice has been recorded by us and is our ‘rendition’ of some of our favourite songs that we perform. It’s taken blood, sweat and tears but we are so proud of the finished product. We really hope that you all love it as much as we do!”

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New album release: I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying – Whitehorse

Whitehorse’s new album is available now. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Award-winning Canadian duo Whitehorse—Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet—just released their eighth LP, I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying, leaving no emotional, personal, fantastical, or political stone unturned. The new album finds the pair venturing deeper into classic country music touchstones than ever before; a move that is both a homecoming and an evolution of their sound. A twist on the ever-present “pandemic album,” Whitehorse distilled and transcended the gloom and uncertainty of the time with a collection about heartbreak and loyalty; shaking things up and hunkering down. The resulting twelve-song collection is playful yet profound; masterfully simple and timeless—and is out on Six Shooter Records, surprising and charming critics and fans alike. (Whitehorse, 2023)

Stream or purchase I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying, where you can listen to fan favorites like “Division 5,” “If The Loneliness Don’t Kill Me,” and new tracks like “Bet The Farm,” which is a chapel-ready ode to loving love.

I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying track list:
If The Loneliness Don’t Kill Me
I Might Get Over This (But I Won’t Stop Loving You)
The Road
Division 5
Manitoba Bound
Bet The Farm
Leave Me as You Found Me
6 Feet Away
I Miss The City
Sanity, TN
Lock It Down
Scared of Each Other

Catch Whitehorse on tour:
May 18 – Sarnia, ON – Imperial Theatre
May 19 – Highgate, ON – Mary Webb Centre
May 24 – Meaford, ON – Meaford Hall Arts and Cultural Centre
May 25 – London, ON – Aeolian Hall Performing Arts Centre
May 26 – Guelph, ON – Royal City Evangelical Missionary Church
May 28 – Peterborough, ON – Market Hall Performing Arts Centre
May 31 – Ridgeway, ON – The Sanctuary Centre for the Arts
June 1 – Paris, ON – DT Concerts Series
June 2 – Kingston, ON – BLU Martini
June 3 – Ottawa, ON – National Arts Centre
June 4 – Parry Sound, ON – Charles W. Stockey Centre

Whitehorse is the prolific partnership of Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet. Uninhibited by expectation, boldly adventurous, and categorically talented, Whitehorse’s signature sound is always guitar-heavy, harmony-plentiful, and lyrically deft. With an expansive run of records that freely and thrillingly dip in psychedelic country, pop noir, squalling blues rock, and celestial folk, Whitehorse has pushed their musical identity into new realms and sounds for over a decade and has received five consecutive JUNO Award nominations in many different genre categories.

New single release: En Este Amor – Adriel Favela

Adriel Favela presents his new single En Este Amor. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Adriel Favela is an internationally celebrated singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist in the northern Mexican Regional genre known as norteño. Adriel Favela gives free reign to his free spirit and does not hold back. Once again, he surprises the musical scene with the release of En Este Amor, a heartbreak song written by Gussy Lau and Tamayo Aguilera, who through their lyrics try to explain what it means to be that special person, who meant everything and takes away your entire life when they leave. (Adriel Favela, 2023)

En Este Amor was recorded in Sonic Ranch and is the first preview of his next album in the mariachi genre, different from his previous releases, and to which he has invited a renown group of industry collaborators, such as Kiko Cibrian (mix and vocal director), Marco Ramírez (Masterization), Daniel Valenzuela (head producer in Esperanto debuting as “Tipo Country Productions”) along with David Valenzuela, Jared Vacapiz and Ervey Vargas in the musical ensemble.

The release of En Este Amor comes with an official video, which through pictures, showcases a beautiful sunset in the desert of Sonora, Mexico. This is the perfect setting to convey the melancholy in the message of the song, while also representing the singer, composer, musician and producer roots, Adriel Favela.

“Everything has been a happy accident because this song was aimed for another person, but at the end of the day, God has a purpose for us all and the song conveyed a lot. I loved it! It has a beautiful essence which I think will differentiate itself from everything we’ve done before and we’ve obviously put a lot of heart into it and we hope the audience receives it the same way.” – Adriel Favela.

“This is one of the most personal songs I’ve ever written. I started composing it while sitting on my bed, before going to sleep, thinking about the two perspectives of this love, it was self-criticism because I gave it everything and the other person didn’t give anything, and when my heart told me that I had to continue trying, I realized that wasn’t a very smart decision.” – Gussy Lau, composer

New album release: Daniel Kruglov – The Talking Piano

The Talking Piano by Daniel Kruglov is available now for streaming. Photo: Google

In music news today: If you love classical piano music as much as I do, here is some information on a new album release from Daniel Kruglov – The Talking Piano.

Daniel Kruglov is a talented pianist and composer known for his unique style that seamlessly blends classical, jazz, and contemporary music. Based in Israel, he has made a name for himself as one of the most original and innovative musicians of his generation. The celebrated pianist and composer announces the release of his latest album “The Talking Piano.” This latest project showcases Kruglov’s musical versatility and virtuosity, delivering a mix of emotional piano tracks and comic virtuoso pieces that are sure to captivate audiences. In “The Talking Piano,” Kruglov seamlessly blends his classical training with his unique comedic flair, resulting in an album that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. From beautiful ballads to hilarious parodies, the album showcases the full range of Kruglov’s musical talent and is a must-listen for fans of classical and contemporary music alike. (Daniel Kruglov, 2023)

Kruglov began his musical journey at a young age, studying classical piano and composition at some of the most prestigious music schools in Russia. He went on to earn critical acclaim for his performances and soon gained recognition as a virtuoso pianist and composer. In addition to his classical training, Kruglov has a passion for jazz and contemporary music, which he incorporates into his compositions and performances. This musical fusion has resulted in a unique and captivating sound that sets him apart from other musicians. His concerts are always a feast for the senses, as he blends his virtuosity with his wit and humor to create an unforgettable musical experience. He has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls and has been praised by audiences and critics alike for his exceptional talent and musical mastery.

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New album release: itzl2thec’s L C

itzel2thec is a freestyle music artist. His new album L C is available now. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

For fans of freestyle music and hip hop, there is itzl2thec and he has a new album out. 

Itzl2thec is a freestyle music artist from Austell, Georgia who has been recording since he was 14 years old. His music library is available on several platforms including YouTube, SoundCloud, TikTok, and ArtistRack. His new album is titled L C. (itzl2thec, 2022)

L C track list:
Careful (feat. Mfast)
I Pace I Go
Coated
Knew You Would Feel Me (feat. Mfast)
Silver Foxx

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Upcoming new album: The Fray by John Smith

John Smith’s The Fray will be out Friday, March 26, 2021. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

British folksinger John Smith was born in Essex and raised on the Devon seaside. Known for his intimate songwriting, his honey-on-gravel voice, and pioneering guitar playing, he has spent the last fifteen years touring internationally and has amassed over 40 million streams on Spotify. As a session musician, he has played guitar with artists as diverse as Joan Baez, David Gray, Joe Henry, Lianne La Havas, and Tom Jones. (IVPR, 2021)

The first song released from his new album is “Eye to Eye.” It embodies a thread of hopefulness in a blanket of bad news; a thread that runs throughout his new full-length album, The Fray. Out March 26, The Fray finds Smith writing his sixth album, grounded from his usually busy touring schedule, and reeling from a cascade of even worse news in his personal life; wading through it all with a defiant positivity. Last month, Fretboard Journal premiered “Eye to Eye,” describing it as, “A gorgeous new album…beautiful, introspective and loaded with great guitar tones.” A pulsing plea for understanding which was co-written with Americana mainstay Sarah Siskind and features Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Sarah Jarosz, “Eye to Eye” is a shining example of Smith’s ability to deliver a tough conversation wrapped in uplifting verse and melody. Fans can listen to “Eye to Eye” right now at this link and pre-order or pre-save The Fray ahead of its March 26.

Throughout The Fray, Smith touches on not just his own emotional turmoil experienced over the past year, but also his observance of the pain of those around him. But it is Smith’s stubborn optimism that shines through and differentiates his experiences and songs from his influences and contemporaries. His traits of holding onto hope, forgiving transgressions, and reckoning with his place in a world which does not always reciprocate are not only necessary for Smith to deal, but they are also contagious to anyone who finds themselves in similar situations, adrift in the wind. For those who echo that sentiment, from experience, Smith shares his message on The Fray; “If we don’t hold on, we’re lost.”

“It’s been a hell of a year, but I feel I’ve created my most honest work as a result—and as a necessity. A lot of these songs are about accepting that life is hard, but just holding on and trying to enjoy it anyway.”- John Smith

The Fray Track listing:
1. Friends
2. Hold On
3. Sanctuary
4. Deserving
5. The Best Of Me (feat. Bill Frisell)
6. Star-Crossed Lovers (feat Lisa Hannigan)
7. To The Shore
8. Eye To Eye (feat Sarah Jarosz)
9. Just As You Are
10. The Fray (feat. The Milk Carton Kids)
11. She’s Doing Fine
12. One Day At A Time

New music release: Nowhere Sounds Lovely by Cristina Vane

Nowhere Sounds Lovely by Cristina Vane will be out April 2. Photo: amazon

The origins of American music are prevalent with sounds and styles from all reaches of the globe, but over the last century or so, the roles have somewhat reversed themselves with blues, jazz, and mountain music being re-dispersed and re-interpreted by musicians worldwide. Cristina Vane, born in Italy to a Sicilian-American father and a Guatemalan mother, grew up between England, France, and Italy, and was fluent in four languages by the time she moved to her fathers’ native United States to attend university at 18 years old. Unlike most of her contemporaries in the music industry, Vane has a taste for pre-war American blues from the likes of Skip James, Robert Johnson, and Blind Willie Johnson. Add a splash of slow western waltzes and haunting Appalachian melodies for good measure and she has tapped in to the very well from which rock and roll sprung. (IVPR, 2021)

Vane’s debut full-length album, Nowhere Sounds Lovely, explores the depths of her new home’s musical history from her unique perspective without ever sounding like a re-hashing of old tricks. Out April 2, Nowhere Sounds Lovely flows naturally from the album-opening slow-burn blues of “Dreamboy” to the clawhammer banjo driven lament of “Will I Ever Be Satisfied.” Last week, American Songwriter premiered “Badlands,” the album’s closing track–a haunting and visceral nod to the Dakota’s rocky, windy plains–noting, “Like a young Bonnie Raitt, Vane sings from both her voice and her supple, bluesy guitar playing almost simultaneously–her sound as earthen as the South Dakota landscape…” Preview available here.

Vane’s perspective on American music is a decidedly unique one, but absolutely an authentic one; pieced together through sights, sounds, and experiences just like the pioneers of the music she so dearly loves. If Nowhere Sounds Lovely is any indication, Vane’s ability to carry the torch of her forebearers is strong and she is just getting started.

Nowhere Sounds Lovely track list:
Dreamboy
Dreaming Of Utah
The Driving Song
Heaven Bound Station
Prayer For The Blind
Satisfied Soul
Travelin Blues
What Remains
Will I Ever Be Satisfied
Wishing Bone Blues
Blueberry Hill
Badlands